The Andaman islands are located within the Indo Burma biodiversity hotspot, while the Nicobar islands constitute the northwestern extremity of the Sundaland hotspot. Together, they constitute a region of global marine and terrestrial significance. The islands' land-, sea-scapes also provide sustenance to human livelihoods resulting in local extractive pressures and are also under threat from impending large-scale phenomenon such as climate change. Keeping these pressures in mind, our initiatives within this thematic conceptualisation include a range of projects aimed at understanding the distribution and use of species and ecosystems as well as those that explore ways to protect them effectively and use them sustainably. In addition, ANET's own unique local geography which locates coral reef, intertidal and rainforest ecosystems in close proximity with each other serves as a microcosm where each of these systems can be monitored over the long term at modest expense.
Currently, our research can be categorised within broad interlinked focus areas that encompass marine, terrestrial and communities-oriented themes. This includes independent projects that are carried out by ANET/ Dakshin researchers as well as collaborative efforts and projects that are being facilitated for other institutions and independent researchers. ANET does not limit its focus to any single disciplinary approach or conceptual lens in its work, rather, the aim is to engage in a deliberate blurring of disciplinary boundaries and draw insights resulting from a productive engagement between scholars from both natural and social sciences. Although knowledge generation through academic engagements is a key objective of this exercise, we envision moving beyond the restrictive framework of modern science to encompass broader conceptualisations such as cognitive justice.
At present, we along with other partner institutions we are exploring possibilities towards a more systematic research effort by establishing ANET as India's first Centre for Island Sustainability (CIS) and Long Term Ecological Observatory in the islands. As part of this process, ANET is being established as a multidisciplinary marine and terrestrial research hub and conservation centre that covers a range of vital themes of contemporary significance to the islands. These range from short term projects that will target themes of immediate urgency to those addressing long-term challenges. The Centre is expected to address key sustainability challenges in India's islands. Programmatic objectives in this direction include understanding the vulnerability and resilience of key species and ecosystems through long-term observatory approaches, evaluating regulatory and cultural significance of traditional resource use practices, and reconciling local livelihoods and resource use. The Centre's programmatic focus areas will be geared towards providing applied research support for our interventions in island systems.
Currently, our research can be categorised within broad interlinked focus areas that encompass marine, terrestrial and communities-oriented themes. This includes independent projects that are carried out by ANET/ Dakshin researchers as well as collaborative efforts and projects that are being facilitated for other institutions and independent researchers. ANET does not limit its focus to any single disciplinary approach or conceptual lens in its work, rather, the aim is to engage in a deliberate blurring of disciplinary boundaries and draw insights resulting from a productive engagement between scholars from both natural and social sciences. Although knowledge generation through academic engagements is a key objective of this exercise, we envision moving beyond the restrictive framework of modern science to encompass broader conceptualisations such as cognitive justice.
At present, we along with other partner institutions we are exploring possibilities towards a more systematic research effort by establishing ANET as India's first Centre for Island Sustainability (CIS) and Long Term Ecological Observatory in the islands. As part of this process, ANET is being established as a multidisciplinary marine and terrestrial research hub and conservation centre that covers a range of vital themes of contemporary significance to the islands. These range from short term projects that will target themes of immediate urgency to those addressing long-term challenges. The Centre is expected to address key sustainability challenges in India's islands. Programmatic objectives in this direction include understanding the vulnerability and resilience of key species and ecosystems through long-term observatory approaches, evaluating regulatory and cultural significance of traditional resource use practices, and reconciling local livelihoods and resource use. The Centre's programmatic focus areas will be geared towards providing applied research support for our interventions in island systems.