Why in news?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognised India’s Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay as an exemplary community‑led initiative during its 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.
Background
- The reserve, covering about 448 square kilometres across the Thanjavur and Pudukottai coasts of Tamil Nadu, was notified by the state government in October 2022 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act.
- Palk Bay hosts rich seagrass meadows that serve as feeding grounds for dugongs (sea cows), which are listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
- The reserve is co‑managed by local fishing communities and the forest department, blending conservation with sustainable livelihoods.
Significance of the recognition
- The IUCN’s inclusion of the reserve as a resolution at its Congress acknowledges it as a model of participatory conservation and encourages replication across the Indian Ocean region.
- The recognition highlights India’s commitment to the UN Decade of Ocean Science and Sustainable Development.
Conservation measures
- Creation of no‑fishing zones and regulation of fishing gear to prevent accidental capture of dugongs.
- Restoration and protection of seagrass meadows, which also act as carbon sinks.
- Promotion of alternative livelihoods such as seaweed farming and ecotourism to reduce fishing pressure.
- Monitoring of dugong populations and community awareness programmes.
Challenges and way forward
- Coastal development, illegal trawling and pollution continue to threaten seagrass ecosystems. Climate change may further degrade habitats.
- Sustained funding, enforcement and cross‑border cooperation with Sri Lanka are required, as dugongs migrate across Palk Bay.
- Scaling up community‑led conservation models can help protect other marine species and habitats.
Conclusion
The IUCN recognition underscores the power of community stewardship in marine conservation. Protecting seagrass and dugongs will yield ecological, climate and socio‑economic benefits.