India's 1st Dugong sanctuary receives global recognition

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin ‘Thursday hailed the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) formal recognition of India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, calling it a “significant global endorsement” of the state’s marine conservation efforts.

- INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE

‘Taking to X, he praised the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and conservation partners for protecting the vulnerable dugong and its fragile habitat.

‘The recognition came after a motion proposed by the Omcar Foundation was adopted at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The proposal received overwhelming support, with 98 per cent of member governments and 94.8 per cent of NGOs, research institutions, and organisations voting in favour.

Environmentalists said the endorsement places Tamil Nadu’s initiative on the global conservation map and could draw new resources and expertise to the region.