Humans play a critical role in conservation of biodiversity which is a diverse and multifaceted subject. This article highlights the close relationship between the lives of the people and the coastal ecosystem on which their lives depend on. The socio-economic study of the lives of these coastal people is integral to plan conservation of these regions.

A detailed study of the different communities like fishermen, traders, cultivators etc. and their use of natural resources for their livelihoods are elaborated upon. Data on education, occupation and dependency on natural resources for food, water, fuel, timber for boat building etc. were examined. The author also discusses traditional sustainable practices of fishing and the challenges faced by the fishing community in recent times.