Team Blitz India
DUBAI: In a stage performance that was testament to cultural sustainability and environmental innovation, a colourful show highlighting the plight of Indian fishermen was organised at the COP28 here.
The performance that artistically narrated the sad story of climate change and other hardships faced by the Koli community caught everyone’s attention.
The Koli community of fishermen, who contribute greatly to the mangrove protection in India, made an impactful presence at the conference. The lives of these fishermen was staged at the Green Zone in the presence of international delegates and media.
Brought to the stage by Avid Learning, the philanthropic arm of Essar Group, the performance showcased the challenges and daily struggles of the Koli community and tried to focus on the message of sustainability.
“The fishermen community contributes greatly to our environment. They use sustainable processes for their catch but they are a marginalised community of India. COP28 is all about climate change and action and we brought a representation from India which we thought befitting,” said Madhu Ruia, Founder, Avid Learning.
The show, set against the picturesque backdrop of Mumbai’s coastline, highlighted resilience of the Koli community in the face of the most urgent challenges.
The production was led by Parag Tandel whose parents and grand-parents belonged to the fishermen community of the then-Bombay.
