Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary: management plan

Coastal landscape management or protection, Protection of natural ecosystems, Knowledge creation and awareness raising, Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity

- To protect, conserve and manage the unique natural habitat of Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) for the long-term sustenance of flamingos, other avifauna, marine fauna, and mangroves. - To develop Thane Creek as a wetland of international importance. - To promote coastal habitat protection, conservation and education. - To promote the integrated and sustainable management of TCFS with the active involvement of various stakeholders by developing a vibrant platform for interaction. - To promote eco-tourism activities as an alternative source of livelihood (like employment opportunities) for local communities. - To create ample opportunities to attract tourists and nature lovers in large numbers due to the sanctuary's location and rich biodiversity. - To educate and create awareness about mangroves, avifauna and coastal habitats among various groups (such as school and college students, researchers etc.) (1,2).

- As a guidance approach for managing the flamingo sanctuary, a Management Plan (2020-2030) was proposed by the Mumbai Mangrove Conservation Unit (MMCU) to conserve and protect this unique mangrove ecosystem of rich biodiversity. (1) This process includes the following activities: (1) implementation of proposed theme plans like an action plan for the conservation of flamingo species; (2) mangrove management and eco-tourism; (3) education and awareness raising among various groups; (4) participative decision-making, such as forming a dedicated committee to monitor implementation activities (1). - Through means of participatory decision-making, the formation of a “Management Plan Implementation and Review Committee’’ of "Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary" (TCSFS) took place, ensuring the representation of all stakeholders, including nearby municipal corporations, fishermen communities, industries, Pollution Control Board, the tourism sector, etc. - Periodic meetings of this Committee were organised at least once in six months to review the management activities of TCFS under the Chairmanship of APCCF (Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests), Mangrove Cell (1). Specific activities related to the proposed theme plans include: 1. Species Action Plan for Long-Term Conservation of Flamingos - monitoring of the solid waste, sewage, and plastic and controlling water pollution to keep the Sanctuary free from such debris, waste and effluents - monitoring of water and air quality through expert agencies/organizations - conservation of satellite wetlands around TCFS and monitoring of movements of flamingos with the help of experts - monitoring of intertidal mudflats and their conservation with the help of fishing communities - participation of stakeholders in clean-up drives - raising awareness about the species conservation needs at the national and local level (1). 2. Mangrove Management Plan - mangrove mapping at intervals every five years - conduction of mangrove health surveys - monitoring of any sediment accumulation within mangrove vegetation associations with support from competent agencies. - plantation of mangrove species to enhance biodiversity (1). 3. Eco-Tourism, Interpretation and Conservation Education and Awareness - infrastructure development for strengthening eco-tourism like nature trails, watch tower, and further development of the present coastal and marine biodiversity center (CMBC) as a museum on marine fauna and flora. - development of interpretation and information centres supplying awareness materials - formation of outreach programs (volunteering, social media and e-platforms, environment clubs and events etc.) (1).

• Researchers/University
• Citizens or community groups
• Young people and children