In a significant step toward strengthening marine conservation efforts in Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, in collaboration with OMCAR Foundation (an IUCN member), successfully organized a five-day intensive technical workshop on Coastal Ecosystems, Sea Turtle, and Dugong Conservation Techniques under the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project for Climate Change Response (TBGPCCR).
Held from May 26 to 30, 2025, in Pudukkottai District, the workshop brought together 31 frontline forest personnel from various coastal divisions. The training was inaugurated by key forest officials and renowned experts including Mr. A. Periyasamy, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests; Mr. P. Muhammed Shabab, IFS, Conservator of Forests and Project Director, TBGPCCR; Mr. Anand Kumar, DFO, Thanjavur; Mr. Ganeshalingam S., DFO, Pudukkottai; Dr. K. Kathiresan, former Dean, CAS in Marine Biology; Dr. K. Sivakumar, Professor, Pondicherry University; and Dr. V. Balaji, Director, OMCAR Foundation.
The training covered essential topics such as mangrove restoration, seagrass meadow conservation, coral reef rehabilitation, sea turtle protection, and community-based dugong conservation, emphasizing practical applications and field techniques to support Tamil Nadu’s unique coastal biodiversity.
Highlights of the Workshop
Mangrove and Marine Field Visits
Participants visited the Muthupet Mangrove Restoration site to gain firsthand insights into ongoing conservation initiatives. The visit was followed by a trip to the OMCAR Palk Bay Centre, where interactive demonstrations on drone photogrammetry, Google Earth-based mapping, SCUBA techniques, and sustainable Palmyra bag production showcased modern approaches to marine resource monitoring.
Beach Cleanup and Dugong Habitat Awareness
An evening field visit to Velivayal Beach brought together workshop participants and senior officials including DFOs Mr. Ganeshalingam and Mr. Anand Kumar, along with Dr. V. Balaji. A collaborative beach cleanup activity emphasized the critical need for community engagement in marine debris management and the protection of dugong habitats.
Seagrass Restoration Field Training
One of the workshop’s most engaging activities was the field-based training at the seagrass restoration site near P.R. Pattinam. Forest staff joined hands with local fishermen and divers to tie seagrass sprigs onto eco-friendly jute ropes fixed to bamboo frames—an indigenous, low-cost method pioneered by OMCAR. Participants later snorkeled over natural seagrass beds to observe the positive impacts of restoration efforts.
Special Events on Day 4: Dugong Rescue and Technology in Conservation
A lifelike dugong model was used in a demonstration led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) team, including Mr. K. Arun Shankar and Mr. Ajith Kumar, to teach protocols for rescuing entangled dugongs. The session, held at Velivayal Beach, highlighted the vital role of local fisher communities in implementing on-the-ground rescue responses.
Later that day, Mr. Anwardeen, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Project Director of TBGPCCR, visited the workshop venue at OMCAR Palk Bay Centre. During his interaction with participants, he emphasized the need for integrating advanced technologies in marine conservation and encouraged staff to adopt innovative practices along the Tamil Nadu coastline.
Gulf of Mannar Visit and Valedictory Ceremony
On the final day, participants visited the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. FRO Mahindran of the Mandapam Range conducted an on-site session on coral reef restoration, underlining efforts to revive India’s first marine biosphere reserve.
The workshop concluded with a virtual valedictory ceremony hosted by the Ramnad Wildlife Warden Division. Mr. Rakesh Kumar Dogra, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden of Tamil Nadu, delivered the valedictory address, commending the initiative’s role in building field-level capacity. Special addresses were given by Mr. S. Anand, IFS, Conservator of Forests and Field Director of SMTR, and Dr. R. Murugan, IFS, Wildlife Warden, Ramanathapuram.
Towards a Stronger Future in Marine Conservation
This pioneering workshop under TBGPCCR marks a milestone in coastal and marine conservation in India. By combining field-based learning, expert engagement, and modern technologies, the programme has equipped Tamil Nadu’s frontline forest staff with the tools and knowledge to safeguard critical marine ecosystems—ensuring that species like sea turtles and dugongs continue to thrive in the waters of the Bay of Bengal.
For more updates on marine conservation training and research, follow OMCAR Foundation and Tamil Nadu Forest Department’s official platforms.