The conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its
components are the major objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
To achieve these objectives, many marine protected areas (MPAs) were identified and
developed. The success of these protected areas depends upon several factors of local
concern. The failure of coastal and marine biodiversity protection was mainly caused
by the environmental changes influenced by anthropogenic activities, overexploitation
of resources, habitat loss because of developmental activities, and natural change in
climate. This chapter highlights the status of these activities in the island environment
and provides potential strategies for its protection by mainstreaming biodiversity with
people’s participation.
Keywords: Marine Protected Areas, Mainstreaming, Biodiversity, Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, India.