Today, we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, which impacted millions across 15 countries. This disaster served as a wake-up call, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness and response.

In response, the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) took decisive action to support affected communities. Over the past two decades, MSSRF has made significant strides in promoting disaster resilience and sustainable livelihoods among coastal communities.

Our Fish for All Centre has worked tirelessly to support tsunami-affected communities, empowering them to manage disaster situations more effectively. Key achievements include:

• Launching the Exclusive Fisher Friend PAN India Mobile Application in 2007, disseminating early warning information to over 1 lakh fishers.
• Establishing a coastal grid of knowledge centres, providing timely information on early warning forecasts and livelihood-related information.
• Setting up a community-based fish processing unit in Poompuhar, meeting HACCP standards. Women from 10 fishing villages have successfully utilized these facilities, producing premium quality dry fish products and processing over 200 tons of fish.
• Planting over 2,500 hectares of mangroves and shelterbelts across India’s coasts.
• Training over 200,000 individuals in disaster preparedness and response.

Today, coastal communities demonstrate significant progress in disaster preparedness and response, saving lives and securing livelihoods.

As we reflect on the past 20 years, we recognize the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in promoting disaster resilience and sustainable development.

Let’s continue to work together to build a more resilient world, minimizing the impact of future disasters and protecting the lives and livelihoods of our custodian fishers and coastal communities.