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.
Some photos of OMCAR in the field implementing the IKI Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project in India:
SES Project Locations