The Lakshadweep Islands offer a clear example of how vulnerable small-island tourism economies are in the Anthropocene, where environmental pressures are intensifying and natural systems are increasingly fragile. Tourism plays a central role in supporting local livelihoods, providing income, employment, and opportunities for community development. However, the way tourism currently operates, especially in terms of waste generation and inadequate disposal practices, poses significant risks to the very ecosystems that attract visitors in the first place. Coral reefs, lagoons, and nearshore waters are already showing signs of stress from microplastic pollution, and without corrective action, these impacts will continue to grow.
The PROMISE project has shown that targeted, community-focused interventions can produce meaningful short-term improvements. Through awareness programs, capacity-building, and small-scale circular economy initiatives, the project demonstrated that stakeholders are willing to participate in sustainability efforts when given the tools and support to do so. Yet, the project also revealed the limits of short-term funding cycles and the challenges of scaling interventions across multiple islands. For progress to last, Lakshadweep requires more than pilot initiatives; it needs structural reforms that strengthen governance, improve infrastructure, and ensure consistent policy implementation.
A more sustainable future for Lakshadweep will depend on embedding waste management within a larger marine policy framework that connects tourism development directly with conservation outcomes. This means shifting away from isolated projects toward an integrated blue economy approach, where environmental protection, economic activity, and community well-being support one another.
Looking ahead, three areas must become central pillars of Lakshadweep’s marine sustainability strategy. First, scientific monitoring must be continuous and data-driven to understand long-term ecological changes. Second, technological adoption, such as decentralized waste processing and improved materials management, should be prioritized to reduce environmental pressure. Third, social participation must remain at the core, ensuring that island communities are not passive recipients of policy but active partners in shaping sustainable development. Together, these elements can guide Lakshadweep toward a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.