On 19th and 20th October, the Marine Programme, Wildlife Conservation Society - India, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and OMCAR Foundation, hosted the "Intra- Regional Workshop on Developing strategies to Support Dugong Conservation,Tamil Nadu" at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
The workshop saw participation by 34 representatives from the Tamil Nadu State Forest Department, Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, BOBP-IGO, ZSI, WII, NCSCM, CMFRI, CIBA, CMS Dugong MoU, Annamalai University, Pondicherry University, Sathyabama University, and several NGOs (OMCAR, MSSRF, BEAR, SDMRI) working at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, capacity development, and natural resource management.
The workshop consisted of an overview of various conservation, research, and management initiatives by these organizations followed by a facilitated group discussion on challenges and opportunities to develop strategies for dugong conservation in the Palk Bay region. The outcomes of this workshop will help guide future actions for dugong conservation in the region.