The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recognized India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve located in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu. This recognition was proposed by Omkar Foundation and granted at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has formally accepted the proposal to recognize India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, which is a major international endorsement of the country’s marine conservation efforts.
Proposed by Omkar Foundation and approved at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, this proposal received support from members worldwide. Among governments, 98% voted in favor, while 94.8% of non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and organizations supported the proposal.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on September 25, 2025, appreciated the global recognition received by this sanctuary and commended the efforts of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and conservation partners.

India got its first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Tamil Nadu

Established by the Tamil Nadu government under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, on September 21, 2022, the Dugong Conservation Reserve covers 448.34 sq. km in the northern Palk Bay.
This area has over 12,250 hectares of seagrass meadows, which are important grazing grounds for dugongs (Dugong dugon), a species listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN Red List. Seagrass also nourishes many other marine species, making this reserve ecologically significant.
IUCN members highlighted the innovative restoration techniques adopted in the reserve, including the use of bamboo and coconut rope frames for the rehabilitation of seagrass meadows.
The proposal called on IUCN members to work with the Government of India, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and local organizations to strengthen monitoring, build capacity for sustainable fisheries, and share knowledge with international dugong conservation programs.

About Dugong (Sea Cow)

Key characteristic: The only marine herbivorous mammal dependent on seagrass.
Distribution: In India, apart from Palk Bay (largest), it is also found in Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, etc.
Population: (Estimated around 200)
Threats: Habitat degradation, hunting, and accidental capture.
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Dugongs can grow over 300 kg in weight and 3.0 to 3.5 meters in length.