Heart to heart, mind to mind and soul to soul with community
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Experiencing the challenges and opportunities faced by coastal communities and small-scale fisheries in the heart of Asia’s largest lagoon.
Students from the Faculty of Environment joined a global delegation of 50 graduate students and early-career researchers at this year’s V2V Field School in Barkul in Chilika, India. The program, co-directed by Dr. Prateep Nayak and Dr. Derek Armitage, focused on applying a commons approach to coastal communities and small-scale fisheries (SSF) transitioning from vulnerability to viability.
SSF are vital for millions of people, supplying about two-thirds of the global fish for direct human consumption. Despite their importance, these fisheries often face vulnerabilities due to limited technological advancements and operational methods, making them susceptible to social, political, and environmental changes. Achieving viability for these communities requires a multifaceted and dynamic process.
The delegation from the Faculty of Environment comprised ten students, including master's and doctoral candidates, and a postdoctoral researcher. Among them was Pallabi Chakraborty, a MES student in Social and Ecological Sustainability. “The field course was an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of socio-ecological systems in a practical setting.”
The field course was an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of socio-ecological systems in a practical setting.
The course took place over seven days and featured workshops, case studies, and expert presentations, offering participants a comprehensive view of fisheries management, socio-ecological systems, and the commons approach to supporting vulnerable communities. A highlight of the program was the students' direct interaction with local community members. Field excursions included visits to Badakul fishing village, Balugaon Central fish market, Rushikulya Olive Ridley Turtle Conservation Area, Mangalajodi Community Conservation Area, and Nalaban Bird Sanctuary.
“Barkul operates within a delicate balance of tradition” said Laura Wilson, a Master of Environment and Business student. “The most striking aspect of the field school was the opportunity to observe the traditional knowledge possessed by the fishing community. The lagoon itself is a vital common for the villagers, providing livelihoods, food, and a sense of identity.”
Murray Lister, a master’s student in Sustainability Management, observed the intrinsic connection between individuals sharing one resource. “They all saw Chilika Lagoon as a ‘mother’. Even though these fishing communities were great distances apart and used different fishing methods and practices, they all had one common understanding, that Chilika would provide for them”.
The student participants increased their knowledge of commons theory and practice, but also gained a deeper appreciation for connecting soul to soul with a community. “I observed the outcomes of years of dedicated relationships that researchers and practitioners can build with communities by maintaining an open mind toward learning and sharing" reflects Chakraborty.
The experience has significantly contributed to the personal and academic growth of Upasna Acharya, a PhD candidate in Social and Ecological Sustainability. “Listening to the stories of challenges and resilience from the local community was inspiring and reinforced our belief in hope and the ability to thrive in adversity”.
This annual field school, in collaboration with Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and NIRMAN Odisha, was offered under ERS 674 – Special Topics in Environment and Resource Studies.
