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Applications of GIS and remote sensing for assessing and management of ecologically sensitive habitats from small islands on Chagos Laccadive Archipelago

Laccadive archipelago comprises of 1232 islands, 1196 in Maldives (Indian Ocean) and 36 in Lakshadweep (Arabian Sea). A total 210 islands (200 in Maldives and 10 in Lakshadweep) are inhabited with a population of about 300,000 and 60,000, respectively. These islands harbour various ecologically sensitive marine habitats (ESMH) of economic and socioeconomic values and of dynamic and productive nature. The biotic constituents of these habitats form roots and major contributors towards productivity stabilization and land formation. However, the existence of these ecologically sensitive regions, and hence of these islands are at risk from various environmental and climatic change issues. Considering the ecological importance and vulnerability to various problems, 'effective management' of these ecosystems must be a top priority and of a global concern. Remote sensing (RS) and GIS tools would be of a great use in the evaluation and formulation of strategies for their sustainable management. The paper describes different ecologically sensitive marine habitats (ESMH) from selected islands of Maldives and Lakshadweep, and application of RS and GIS for their evaluation, monitoring and management.