Loktak Lake: Natural Capital and Livelihood Security in Manipur
Keywords:
Loktak Lake, Natural Capital, Livelihood Security, Ecosystem Services, Sustainable Wetland ManagementAbstract
Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater wetland in Northeast India and a Ramsar site, represents a valuable natural capital that supports ecological sustainability and livelihood security in Manipur. The lake provides multiple ecosystem services, including fisheries, aquatic resources, biodiversity conservation, hydropower generation, tourism, and water regulation, benefiting thousands of households. Fisheries remain the primary livelihood source, while wetland resources such as edible plants, medicinal species, and handicraft materials contribute to income diversification and food security. The lake also supports eco-tourism and the emerging blue economy through sustainable utilization of aquatic resources. However, environmental degradation caused by pollution, siltation, hydrological alterations, invasive vegetation, and unsustainable resource exploitation threatens its ecological integrity and economic potential. Sustainable management through community participation, wetland restoration, ecosystem service valuation, and conservation-oriented policies is essential to safeguard Loktak Lake. Protecting this unique wetland will strengthen livelihood resilience, biodiversity conservation, and long-term sustainable development in the region.
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