Take up climate change scenario analysis and quantification of natural influences and climate variability over coastal ecosystems in relation with agriculture, hydrology, biodiversity, water and landscape management
Develop a framework for risk assessment in the context of the predicted climate change effects viz., sea level rise, temperature rise & change in precipitation pattern etc. and provide reliable information for development of policies and management plan including their evaluation
Networking for collaboration with organizations and departments of public and private sector and community institutions, national and international, for discussions, and policy dialogue for the above.
Collating baseline information and organizing action plans for formulation of policies and regulations for land use planning and farming development in the coastal agro ecosystems
Function as a professional body along with the Department of Agriculture, Kerala to coordinate implementation of activities in the field of environmental conservation and resilience building and biodiversity conservation in farming
Develop prediction models on effects of sea level rise on coastal agro ecosystems and its implications on agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity, health, livelihoods and socio economics etc. on a regional and sub-regional basis
Show case, demonstrate live models of traditional and improved farming methods in below sea level rice farming in Kuttanad, Kole, Pokkali, Kaipad coastal lands in Kerala and also similar other tracts in India viz., Kharlands, Khazan lands, basabhada lands etc. and in similarly placed countries outside India.
Establish germplasm banks, referral museum and field laboratories for ex-situ and in-situ conservation of prioritized plants, animal and fish species including setting up of a rice germplasm conservation centre for coastal tracts.
Molecular characterization of traditional and improved varieties of domesticated flora & fauna, edible wild greens and healing herbs, fruit trees and tuber crops, Yams and Taros, fish and domesticated animal germplasm etc. unique to Kuttanad
Undertake interdisciplinary research and development for basic and applied research on coastal agro ecosystem, indigenous knowledge systems and environment management of coastal agro systems.
Undertake programs for regular survey and inventory of agro biodiversity-flora and fauna endemic to the coastal region and take up effective measures for their conservation.
Conduct of regular national and international training on below sea level farming, integrated farming, raft farming, open water farming, integrating agriculture with aquaculture, animal husbandry and farm/ agro-eco tourism etc.
Take up programs for sensitizing the farmers, fishers and such other stake holder communities to enhance their knowledge base and capacity in integrated land and water management particularly in i) Polder system of landscape building, (ii) Managing sea water intrusion problems (iii) Below sea level farming, (iv) Coastal agriculture and (v) Coastal aquaculture through participatory research and communication approaches
Propose and disseminate best practices, adaptation farming mechanisms, management systems , and adaptation strategy appropriate for the state/ countries/ regions
Develop models and systems appropriate for launching of bio enterprises combining agriculture, animal husbandry and aquaculture systems for the coastal lowlands to benefit the local, national & international community.
Promote livelihood programs and sustainable income generation through bio-enterprises and by introduction of agro-processing and value addition initiatives primarily to rice, coconut and fish etc.
Facilitate research and training programs for launching of bio enterprises in the region by establishing demonstration villages, aquaparks, bioparks etc. in cooperation with Government/s, Non-government and academic institutions
Establish agricultural heritage and natural history museums and documentation systems that depict the farming history, socio-cultural and political history of Kuttanad and such other below sea level farming systems in Kerala.
Promote adaptive management of knowledge systems and cultures and associated landscapes.
Undertake scientific research on below sea level farming, hydroponics, raft farming, integrated farming, organic and natural farming , climate change and adaptation farming, biodiversity conservation, value-added marketing techniques etc. by coordinating activities with other agencies in the field of environmental conservation and resilience building.
Undertake projects for enhancement of productivity and capacity to deal with abiotic stress such as drought, saline intrusion, nutrient stress etc. through biotechnological research.
Engage in developing highly skilled human resource for maritime states/ countries in the domains of farming system management in the scenario of sea level rise and climate change, by offering specialized academic programs like Post Graduate Diploma, M.Phil, Ph.D etc. in collaboration with National and International institutions/organizations
Develop an intensive communication strategy by publishing monographs, reports books etc. in the domains of adaptation farming, below sea level farming, biotechnology and biodiversity conservation etc.
Organize and conduct National and International level seminars, Workshops, and consultations and Conferences to fulfill the above objectives
Receive and utilize funds from State, Central and International agencies for above objectives by mainstreaming of GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Site) in sector wise and national plans and policies
Develop an enabling environment that promotes and enhances the local heritage farming, conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem service values unique to the region.