Coastal Indigenous Youth Network (CIYN) is a youth-led initiative comprising dynamic young individuals from the coastal Indigenous Peoples in South India, trained by BlueGreen Coastal Resources. The current members primarily hail from the two districts of the state of Kerala. Driven by passion for positive change, CIYN focuses on community development, seascape and marine management, and promoting a plastic free environment.
In addition to environmental advocacy, the network is committed to advancing youth rights in alignment with local, national, regional and international legislations in the state. They are currently concerned about the proposed offshore sand mining, oil and gas explorations, and offshore wind energy projects in the customary areas of Indigenous fisher communities in Kerala, as it poses a threat to their marine livelihoods, cultural heritage and sustainability of their environment.
One of their key interests is a collaborative project with BlueGreen Coastal Resources, known as Ocean Arts Project, which aims to promote sustainable practices along the southwest coast of India through the artistic talents of the coastal communities.
CIYN aspires to engage on international platforms, proudly representing the voices and aspirations of communities.Â
Meet the Team
Leno Ignatious
President
Leno Ignatious is a 22 years old Coastal Indigenous youth activist/leader from Mukkuvar Coastal Indigenous Community in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, South India. Presently he is the coordinator of CIYN ( Coastal Indigenous Youth Network) also he works with Association of Artisanal Fishers movement against mechanised destructive fishing practices. He is a ocean advocate for promoting sustainable fishing practices and protection of the customary rights of the mukkuvar coastal communities. He is the staff at BlueGreen coastal resources for the documentation of ILK ( Indigenous Local Knowledge) and the community mapping.He is also field level volunteer at Seatribes Community media.
Leno Ignatious is the One Ocean Youth Panel Member at the City of Bergen, Norway During the One Ocean Week in 2024 and 2025. The One Ocean Youth Panel Founded in 2024, the One Ocean Youth Panel draws inspiration from the International High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. The panel works in line with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, with the goal of achieving a sustainable ocean by 2030.
He also Participated in the 5th and 6th United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum Asia Pacific at Bangkok Thailand. Where he also attend a Comprehensive training program organised by UNDP, RAFTO and IHRB.
