India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay has achieved global recognition after the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) formally adopted a motion praising the initiative. The motion, proposed by the Omcar Foundation, was approved at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, receiving overwhelming support: 98% of governments and 94.8% of NGOs, research institutions, and conservation organizations voted in favor. This endorsement underscores India’s growing role in global marine biodiversity protection and sets a benchmark for dugong conservation worldwide.

Dugongs: The Gentle Sea Cows of India’s Coastal Waters

Dugongs, often called “sea cows,” are large, gentle marine mammals closely related to manatees. With their rounded bodies, fluked tails, and paddle-like flippers, they glide gracefully through shallow coastal waters, feeding almost exclusively on seagrass. Found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, dugongs play a crucial ecological role by maintaining healthy seagrass beds, which support other marine life. Listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, dugongs face threats from habitat loss, boat strikes, and fishing activities. In India, the Palk Bay Dugong Conservation Reserve provides a safe haven for these rare creatures, highlighting the importance of protecting marine biodiversity while promoting sustainable community-led conservation efforts.

About the Dugong Conservation Reserve

Established on September 21, 2022, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, by the Tamil Nadu government, the Dugong Conservation Reserve spans 448.34 sq. km. in northern Palk Bay, covering parts of Thanjavur and Pudukottai districts. The reserve encompasses over 12,250 hectares of seagrass meadows, which are the primary feeding grounds for dugongs (Dugong dugon), a marine species listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Beyond dugongs, these seagrass beds sustain a variety of marine life, making the area ecologically invaluable. The creation of this reserve was a strategic step towards preserving fragile marine ecosystems, particularly in regions facing pressures from overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. For local communities, the reserve offers a sustainable framework to balance livelihood practices with environmental conservation.

Innovative Conservation Techniques

One of the key reasons the Palk Bay reserve received international recognition is its innovative approach to seagrass restoration. Using bamboo and coconut rope frames, local authorities and conservation partners have been able to rehabilitate damaged seagrass meadows, ensuring that dugongs and other marine species have a healthy habitat to thrive. This initiative integrates scientific methods with community participation, involving fishermen, local volunteers, and NGOs in monitoring and restoration efforts. By combining ecological expertise with traditional knowledge, the project has created a replicable model for other dugong habitats across South Asia and beyond.

IUCN’s Global Endorsement

The resolution adopted at the IUCN Congress also highlighted the threats faced by dugongs and their habitats. Destructive fishing practices, coastal development, and climate change are putting populations at risk. By adopting this motion, IUCN members encouraged global collaboration with India, local organizations, and the Tamil Nadu government to enhance monitoring, build sustainable fisheries, and share knowledge with international dugong conservation programs. 

This recognition positions India as a leader in marine biodiversity conservation and sets an example for other countries in the Indian Ocean region to implement similar community-led models. Looking ahead, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has initiated plans to establish the International Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora in Thanjavur.The center will play a crucial role in creating a new generation of marine conservationists, bridging science and practice, and promoting awareness about the importance of protecting vulnerable marine species.

Significance for India and the World

The recognition of Palk Bay’s Dugong Conservation Reserve is not just a local or national achievement; it is a milestone in global conservation. Dugongs, often called “sea cows,” are indicators of healthy marine ecosystems. Protecting them ensures the survival of numerous other marine species and the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on the sea. For India, the reserve demonstrates how science, policy, and community engagement can come together to achieve meaningful results. Globally, it serves as an example of how countries can address conservation challenges while balancing human development and environmental stewardship. As restoration efforts continue and the International Dugong Conservation Centre takes shape, the story of Palk Bay serves as a powerful reminder that preserving nature is not just about protecting animals—it is about creating harmony between people and the planet.