This project is aimed at improving the knowledge of the various communities, NGOs, CBOs, school children at GCE O/L and A/L classes, low level government officials, in sustainable livelihood programmes compatible with the protection of resource base of the Mannar coastal plain (MCP) not only for the benefit of the present generation, but also for future generations. This requires to evaluate the current status of the resource use practices and identify problems. In order to document such practices a reconnaissance field survey will be conducted in the form of focus group discussions with different resource users as the first step of the project. This will help us to understand the status of knowledge, suitability of continuing with traditional practices, ways of refining such practices and existing problems. It will also help us find solutions to such problems. Local knowledge of the people will also be an asset in achieving the project goals.