ACCESS4ALL Group

The "Pokkali-Mangrove" Integrated Model addresses the dual threats of rising sea levels and increasing salinity that jeopardize traditional paddy farming and coastal safety in regions like Alappuzha and Ernakulam. Local communities are engaged in planning by revitalizing the Pokkali farming system, an ancient, saline-tolerant rice cultivation method that alternates with shrimp farming. In this model, farmers and local self-government institutions (Panchayats) lead the decision-making process to plant mangroves along the bunds of these fields. These "bio-shields" act as natural barriers against storm surges and soil erosion while the Pokkali rice provides food security, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that relies on the community's deep-rooted knowledge of tidal patterns.

The outcomes of this initiative have been significant, as the integrated approach provides a diversified income for farmers through organic rice and shrimp while restoring local biodiversity. These practices are deeply connected to the identity of coastal Kerala, where the Pokkali tradition represents a historic adaptation to a unique brackish water environment. However, significant barriers remain, including the labor-intensive nature of traditional farming and the push for modern "hard" engineering solutions like concrete sea walls, which often disrupt the natural flow of water. By integrating these indigenous methods into a Locally-Led Adaptation (LLA) framework, the government can provide the necessary patient funding and policy support to ensure these "soft" coastal defenses are maintained by the people who understand the land best.