With more than half of the world’s population residing within 60 kms of the shoreline (IUCN 1995) and livelihoods and sustenance dependent on the coastal ecosystems, conservation of coastal biodiversity is critical.

The crisis of the Konkan coast emphasizes the need to stop further degradation of terrestrial and marine resources, protect & restore habitats and life sustaining ecological linkages and promote sustainable development to benefit residents and traditional communities. The author has identified 5 Biospheres and 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest on the Konkan coast for conservation of biodiversity. The author also reiterates that this scheme should be implemented only after public debate, dissemination of scientific information and public participation in planning and decision making.