Empowering Lakshadweep Islanders with Ocean Training

—A Special InDEPTH Report. Photos by Elsie Gabriel.

December, 2024—The Lakshadweep Islands, a fragile archipelago in the Arabian Sea, face severe impacts of climate change: rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and marine ecosystem degradation. To build resilience, the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust, in association with PHSA and the Government of Lakshadweep, has conducted Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA) skill-based training for locals. Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Lakshadweep Islands, need HSA and Ocean Literacy training for disaster preparedness.

Eighty people from the Agatti and Kavaratti Islands have been trained and certified in the last year—including persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in capacity building. This training equips residents with expertise in underwater biodiversity monitoring, rescue operations, and sustainable tourism, all vital for adapting to climate challenges. By fostering collaboration between local communities and experts, these efforts empower islanders to become proactive agents in disaster management and ocean conservation. Lakshadweep’s HSA-certified divers exemplify resilience and global leadership in addressing the climate crisis.

The scenic archipelago of Lakshadweep recently witnessed an empowering initiative focused on inclusive scuba diving and disaster management. Conducted by Major Rausch and assisted by HSA-certified diver Elsie Gabriel, the training brought together 50 indigenous islanders. This initiative aimed to not only promote ocean literacy but also to equip the local indigenous community to respond effectively to emergencies. 

 A Diverse Group of Trainees 

 The group of participants represented a wide cross-section of the island’s society, including six students from India’s air forces and marine forces, one from the Lakshadweep police force, and ace divers from the island’s thriving diving community. Notably, the training included two disabled students from Lakshadweep, emphasizing the focus on inclusive ocean activities.

 Training for a Greater Cause

The rigorous training sessions aimed to educate participants on managing recreational scuba diving and ocean activities for differently-abled individuals. Additionally, the course placed a significant emphasis on the crisis management skills essential for safeguarding lives during an ocean crisis or other calamities. The training modules covered disability and leadership, techniques for assisting differently-abled divers, safety and well-being underwater, and fostering inclusivity in the diving community. 

 Empowering Island Communities for Resilience 

Speaking about her mission on SDG 14 for the Ocean Decade 2030 goals, HSA and PADI certified diver Elsie Gabriel—who has been working in the remote Lakshadweep islands for over a decade now—highlighted the importance of equipping island communities with these vital skills. “Lakshadweep, being a vulnerable coastal region, faces unique challenges in the face of climate change and natural disasters. By empowering indigenous islanders with inclusive diving training, we’re fostering a community that’s both skilled and resilient. Teaching them about Ocean Literacy and enabling the islanders to be agents of change leading in climate education is key,” she remarked.

Elsie Gabriel is the founder of Young Environmentalists Programme Trust and National Coordinator for Oceans Climate Reality Project India, trained by former US Vice President Al Gore. Her Ocean Literacy program is recognised by the UNESCO Green Citizens project. 

The HSA USA certification is globally recognized for its inclusive diving techniques, making Lakshadweep one of the few regions in India to offer such specialized training. The initiative was a significant step towards building a more inclusive and disaster-prepared community in the Lakshadweep archipelago.

 Forging a Path Towards Inclusive Ocean Literacy 

 For the participants, the training was an enriching experience that broadened their understanding of ocean safety and inclusivity. The presence of air forces, marine forces, and local police trainees underscored the training’s importance in building a coordinated response to crises. Participants gained crucial skills, learning not only how to manage ocean activities for differently-abled individuals with seen or unseen disabilities but also how to extend their knowledge in times of ocean crises or emergencies. This trained set of certified divers can now provide assistance to the disaster management team on the islands or globally. 

“This program is about more than just diving—it’s about creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, feels confident and capable in the water. By training the local indigenous ocean community in these handicap scuba techniques, we are building resilience not only for today but for future generations as well,” said Major Mark Rausch, Trainer Course Director for HSA USA.

 As Lakshadweep continues to stand at the forefront of ocean conservation and community resilience, initiatives like these pave the way for inclusive and sustainable development, enforcing the fulfilment of the United Nations SDG goals. This groundbreaking training program, under the guidance of Major Rausch and Elsie Gabriel, stands as a testament to the island’s commitment to protecting and empowering all of its residents.

DIVE DEEPER

Website: Young Environmentalists Program

Instagram: @youngenvironmentalistsprogram

Elsie Gabriel, Founder of the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust and The Ocean School India, is a global ocean literacy and climate action advocate. She serves as National Coordinator for Oceans for the Climate Reality Project India-Asia, trained by Al Gore, and is a UNESCO Green Citizen.  Ambassador for India Ocean Quest Global and Associate Member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, she introduced HSA USA inclusive scuba certification across Asia as Director PHSA. Gabriel was a Plenary Speaker at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference , contributed to the Venice Declaration on Ocean Literacy and empowers coastal indigenous communities, divers, and youth as agents of change, building a resilient ocean future.

Instagram: @elsie_gabriel

Linked In: Elsie Gabriel