IUCN Recognises Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay:
The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 (Abu Dhabi) adopted a resolution recognising India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu as a global model for marine biodiversity conservation. It is India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve, notified in September 2022 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Recognised by IUCN in 2025 as a pioneering step for marine biodiversity and community-led conservation. It Covers 448.34 sq km across Thanjavur and Pudukkottai districts, Tamil Nadu. It is Situated in the northern Palk Bay, harbouring 12,250 hectares of seagrass meadows.It Protects Dugong dugon (sea cows), listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Seagrass beds here also support commercial fish, crabs, shrimps, benefitting marginal fishermen.
