India’s Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, has received formal recognition from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) at the World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi — a milestone that highlights India’s leadership in marine biodiversity protection.
Established in September 2022, the reserve spans 448.34 sq km and includes 12,250+ hectares of seagrass meadows, vital feeding grounds for the vulnerable dugong and many marine species. Seagrass habitats not only support biodiversity but also improve water quality and prevent coastal erosion.
Facing threats from habitat loss, destructive fishing, and climate change, the reserve employs innovative restoration techniques like bamboo and coconut rope frames to rehabilitate seagrass, blending scientific methods with community-led conservation.
The IUCN motion calls for global collaboration to replicate this successful model, strengthen monitoring, and enhance sustainable marine management — a step forward in protecting dugongs and restoring marine ecosystems worldwide.
