Erosion of indigenous resource base: Causes and challenges

Abstract

Khazan ecosystem consists of outer protective dykes, inner embankments, sluice gates, a pit called poiem and a canal. Each component plays pivotal role in maintenance of the ecosystem integrity. Any detrimental changes in any of these components can render khazan ecosystem non-functional. Khazan ecosystems are operational for last about 3,500 years. However, in the recent years, degradation of khazan ecosystem is underway. A number of factors, ecological, socio-economic and institutional, affect the khazan ecosystem and bring about erosion of these coastal wetlands of Goa. This chapter presents various causal factors that explain degradation of the khazan lands and recommends some strategies to arrest further degradation.