Differences in attitude, behaviour and perception between individuals and groups result in conflict affecting peace and tranquility. When peace retreats, the development process comes to a grinding halt as peace and development always go hand in hand. The fishermen too have frequent conflicts, which require quick resolution so that the process of development is not affected adversely. Realizing the need for timely resolution of conflicts among fishermen groups and to ensure peace in the coastal areas as also to take care of the development needs of the fishermen community, KSSS established the Coastal Peace and Development (CPD) in the year 1995. The area of operation of the CPD includes the coastal villages starting from Arockiapuram in the East to Mulloorthurai in the West of Kanyakumari District.
Target People
Coastal people of Kanyakumari District.
Objectives
- To organize the fishermen at village level into groups
- To liberate the fishermen from exploitation by middlemen
- To promote peace and harmony among the coastal people
- To organize training programmes for upgrading the skills of fishermen to take up alternative employment opportunities
Core Activities
- Organizing the fishermen into groups
- Federating the groups at the district level
- Organizing training programmes for upgrading their skills
- Inculcating the habit of thrift and small savings
- Minimizing conflicts through peace building process
- Motivating them to have private toilets for promoting health and sanitation
- Influencing policies of the Government through collective action
- Providing financial assistance to the children of fishermen for pursuing basic and higher education
Problems to be addressed
Fishermen missing in the sea have become a common phenomenon. They lose their lives and fishing tackles either in a tempestuous sea or their vessels are very often knocked down by the passing ships. CPD has been regularly taking up the matter with the Government for finding a permanent solution.
The mechanized boat owners often violate the regulation of fishing beyond 5 km in the sea that results in conflicts between boat owning fishermen and catamaran owning fishermen. The CPD has been holding negotiations regularly with both the groups to resolve their disputes. However, the problem still persists.
