Organization for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research (OMCAR)
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OMCAR Foundation (Organization for Marine Conservation, Awareness, and Research) was founded by Dr Balaji Vedharajan in 2007, with a special focus to conserve the Palk Bay ecosystem, especially the conservation of dugongs, seagrasses, and mangroves using scientific and traditional knowledge.
In 2011, OMCAR Palk Bay Environmental Education Centre was established. The centre has been providing an open platform for researchers from the Wild Life Institute of India, SACON, and universities to work on dugongs, seagrasses, mangroves, and other topics related to coastal habitat conservation.
OMCAR has been actively engaged in a range of initiatives aimed at marine conservation and community support. These include responding to stranding incidents involving dugongs and other marine mammals, training Tamil Nadu Forest Academy staff in dugong and seagrass conservation methods, and organizing educational field trips for rural and coastal school students. The organization also supports research on dugong habitat conservation, provides alternative livelihood opportunities for artisanal fishing communities, and facilitates stakeholder conservation meetings. Additionally, OMCAR designs marine education toolkits, offers technical support for coastal restoration projects, and has played a key role in establishing the Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay.
OMCAR drives marine conservation and community support through education, research, and habitat restoration in Palk Bay.
Achievements
The scientific component of the project has produced compelling results, effectively bridging knowledge gaps and establishing critical baselines at the project sites. These insights are captured in comprehensive reports developed through robust collaboration between national partners and esteemed technical experts from Edith Cowan University, Project Seagrass, and Seagrass Watch. By actively engaging local communities, we have gathered invaluable data on the status and threats facing seagrass meadows at various project sites. The reports also include detailed maps showcasing blue carbon assessments, seagrass ecosystem services, and precise seagrass mapping.
You can access the technical reports from India, submitted as part of the IKI Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project, here:
(To be published)
Watch to discover how empowered communities are making a difference in dugong and seagrass conservation in India:
Some photos of OMCAR in the field implementing the IKI Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project in India:
SES Project Locations