Forest officers in Tamil Nadu receive cutting-edge training in drone technology to protect seagrass meadows and mangroves in Palk Bay—home to India’s first Dugong Reserve and critical blue carbon ecosystems. This workshop is part of the Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project, funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and led by the Convention on Migratory Species Office of Abu Dhabi under the Dugong MOU.
In an effort to safeguard one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions, a two-day workshop titled “Drone Photogrammetry for Mapping Blue Carbon Resources” took place on August 10th and 11th, 2024, at the OMCAR Palk Bay Centre in Tamil Nadu, India. Funded by the IKI Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project, this pioneering workshop aimed to equip forest officers with advanced drone and GIS technologies, providing them with the tools needed to monitor and protect the vital blue carbon ecosystems of Palk Bay.
Nestled between India and Sri Lanka, Palk Bay is a biodiversity hotspot, renowned for its lush seagrass meadows that are not only crucial habitats for the endangered dugong, or “sea cow,” but also act as powerful carbon sinks. These underwater meadows capture and store carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, making their conservation essential in the fight against climate change. However, human activities and climate impacts pose growing threats, emphasizing the need for innovative conservation strategies.
The workshop brought together 11 forest officers from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, including representatives from Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Thiruvarur, and Ariyalur. For many, it was their first introduction to drone technology for coastal ecosystem management. Over two days, participants, ranging from senior Forest Range Officers to Forest Guards, were trained in capturing high-resolution aerial images of seagrass meadows, mangroves, and salt marshes through both manual and automated drone operations.
The first day kicked off with drone demonstrations over the seagrass beds in Palk Bay, offering a firsthand look at the tools that will redefine coastal ecosystem monitoring. Forest officers observed drones soaring above the waves, capturing stunning aerial footage of the underwater world where dugongs graze. By the second day, participants advanced to processing these images into orthomosaics—highly detailed, corrected maps crucial for conservation planning. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, the officers converted aerial photos into digital maps to assess seagrass health, monitor habitat changes, and identify areas needing restoration.
“This training is a game-changer,” said one of the participating officers. “We’re combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology to protect our coastlines and the species that depend on them.”
The workshop didn’t stop at drone training; the OMCAR Palk Bay Centre also hosted a forester training program for 59 foresters from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, including representatives from Coimbatore led by FRO Mr. Naveen. This broader session emphasized the significance of dugongs, the threats they face, and ongoing seagrass restoration initiatives, reinforcing the crucial role these habitats play in coastal resilience and conservation.
This training represents more than a technological upgrade—it signals a renewed commitment to conservation. By equipping frontline defenders with drone and GIS capabilities, the project aims to enhance protection for the Palk Bay Dugong Reserve, a crucial link in global conservation networks. As threats to these habitats escalate, these tools enable forest officers to act quickly and effectively, ensuring the preservation of seagrass meadows and mangroves—lifelines for marine life and coastal communities alike—for generations to come.
Organized by OMCAR and local conservation partners, this initiative highlights how technology can drive meaningful conservation outcomes. Protecting blue carbon habitats like seagrass meadows contributes to global biodiversity goals and strengthens climate resilience, proving that innovative strategies can yield powerful results. As the training concluded, the forest officers left not just with new skills, but with a shared mission: to protect Palk Bay’s invaluable ecosystems and secure a future for the dugongs that call it home.