| Project Title:
Sounds, Spaces and Sizes: Developing an Interdisciplinary Conservation Framework for Mumbai’s Highly Threatened Dolphins |
|
| Project Brief:
This project by the Coastal Conservation Foundation aims to develop the first conservation framework for the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) (IOHD), a highly threatened coastal dolphin population near Mumbai. The study will use advanced methodology and technology to estimate dolphin occurrence and population sizes. The ecological and social dynamics of the population, along with the anthropogenic activities of the metropolis, will be analysed to develop a conservation and management plan. The Coastal Conservation Foundation had initiated risk assessments for the dolphin population in 2022, and through this study, will further assess the threats posed by anthropogenic sounds. The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (IOHD) is an endangered species found in the nearshore waters of India’s west coast. In Mumbai, research has shown that IOHD is found up to 7 km from shore, with its habitat overlapping with fisheries and the ongoing development of a large-scale sea bridge (Modi et al. 2024). These overlapping zones produce chronic sounds, in the case of fisheries, and short-term, high-amplitude sounds, in the case of at-sea construction. Despite this, no environmental impact assessment has been undertaken to check the effects of these activities on the population of IOHD in Mumbai or elsewhere in the country. This study proposes an interdisciplinary assessment to understand the short- and long-term effects of sound pollution. The team will build a baseline of population size, continue monitoring occurrence patterns, and use novel acoustic techniques to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic sound. The findings will inform key recommendations for the conservation of the IOHD |
Project objectives:
The project has the following objectives:
|
Project Location:
|
|
This flagship grant will primarily reach out to mid to large sized field work oriented organisations to create a two-way partnership for our common cause of conservation. This grant is directed towards the running costs of on-ground projects. The grant should enable the creation of a sustainable and replicable conservation model to address some of the key conservation issues in India.
This first of its kind initiative aims to secure and regenerate the overlooked and unaddressed habitats of the country that are in urgent need of conservation attention. These lesser-known habitats are home to an array of biodiversity, and serve as important connections between key wildlife landscapes and as havens for dispersal populations from the "celebrity" parks. Through the lesser-known habitats grant, we hope to secure and bring into the limelight these vital habitats.
In recent years, a great deal of attention has been given to the "glamour" species of the country such as tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Unfortunately, several of our equally endangered species have not received the same level of conservation support. This unique grant aims to support conservationists working to secure a future for our lesser-known endangered species.
Across the country there are grassroots conservationists working dedicatedly, with little to no support, to protect our biodiversity. The work they do in their individual capacity has a huge positive impact on conservation in the country. This grant aims to recognize these conservation heroes and provide them a platform to expand their activities and garner further support for their work.
Successfully submitted applications and projects will be screened for eligibility, relevance of answers and authenticity of information. A team of experts, including sector specialists and external auditors, evaluate successful entries on the following parameters:
• Applicant Profile: Based on past performance and credentials, capacity to deliver, financial management, program management and other such criteria.
• Project Profile: Based on statement of need, clarity of objectives, measurability of impact, innovation, strategy and approaches, replicability, stakeholder participation, scalability and sustainability.
At the end of the First Level Screening and Shortlisting round 24 applications, 6 in each category, will move forward for Field Level Verification.
The Habitats Trust team will visit the proposed project locations to verify if details provided by the applicant are true to fact. Along with a Sub-Jury, The Habitats Trust team will shortlist twelve proposals, three in each category, move to the Jury Round. The work of all the applicants shortlisted for the Jury round will be published in The Habitats Trust Grants compendium, as a tribute to their efforts and achievements. Disseminated widely by HCL, this provides national and international visibility to the applicants.
The twelve shortlisted applicants, three in each category, will be invited to present their proposed projects in person to our Jury of eminent conservationists at the Jury Round. Recipients of The Habitats Trust Grants will be announced at a Felicitation Event the next day.