Draft:OMCAR Foundation
Submission declined on 31 October 2025 by SnowyRiver28 (talk).
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Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Balaji Vedharajan (talk) 21:58, 30 October 2025 (UTC)
| Formation | 2007 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Dr Balaji Vedharajan |
| Type | Non-profit organisation |
| Legal status | NGO |
| Focus | Marine conservation, seagrass restoration, dugong protection, community livelihoods |
| Headquarters | Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India |
Region served | Palk Bay region, southeast coast of India |
| Affiliations | UNEP–CMS, IUCN, Lighthouse Foundation, Tamil Nadu Forest Department |
| Website | www |
OMCAR Foundation (Organisation for Marine Conservation Awareness and Research) is a non-profit environmental organization based in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India. Founded in 2007 by marine biologist Dr Balaji Vedharajan, the foundation works on the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Palk Bay region, focusing on seagrass meadows, dugongs, mangroves, and sustainable coastal livelihoods.[1][2]
History
[edit]OMCAR Foundation was established in 2007 as a community-based organization dedicated to promoting awareness and scientific research on marine ecosystems along the southeast coast of India. Initially focused on environmental education and mangrove restoration, OMCAR later expanded into seagrass research, dugong conservation, and blue-carbon assessment in collaboration with national and international partners.
Objectives
[edit]The organization’s primary objectives include:
- Conservation and restoration of seagrass, mangrove, and coral ecosystems.
- Protection of endangered marine species such as the dugong (*Dugong dugon*).
- Capacity-building for local coastal communities through education and sustainable livelihood training.
- Promotion of marine research and leadership among young scientists and students.
- Advocacy for sustainable coastal management policies at state and national levels.
Programmes and Activities
[edit]Marine Conservation Leadership (MCL) Programme
[edit]Launched in 2022, the MCL Programme trains young professionals and postgraduate students in marine ecology, community engagement, and leadership. Fellows receive hands-on experience in field research, drone mapping, GIS, underwater surveys, and local livelihood initiatives.[3]
Seagrass, Dugong and Marine Fauna Conservation
[edit]OMCAR Foundation has been a key partner in India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve, established in 2022 in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu. The organization conducts seagrass mapping, restoration, and stranding-response operations for dugongs in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and the United Nations Environment Programme–Convention on Migratory Species (UNEP-CMS) Dugong MOU Secretariat.[1][4]
The foundation also assists the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and local fisherfolk in the **rescue and release of stranded dugongs and sea turtles**, coordinating trained community volunteers and providing technical guidance for safe handling and rehabilitation before release.[2][4]
Mangrove Restoration
[edit]Since 2009, OMCAR Foundation has restored mangrove areas along the Thanjavur and Pudukkottai coasts through community-based nurseries, awareness campaigns, and the establishment of Village Mangrove Councils. These initiatives contribute to coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and livelihood improvement.
Livelihood and Education Initiatives
[edit]The foundation supports women’s self-help groups through palmyra-based eco-bag production, seaweed farming, and coastal kitchen gardens. It also organizes school awareness programmes and training workshops for fishers and students on marine biodiversity and conservation ethics.
OMCAR Foundation collaborates with a range of national and international organizations, including:
- UNEP–Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
- Lighthouse Foundation (Germany)[5]
- IUCN
- Wildlife Institute of India
These partnerships support scientific research, policy development, and field-level conservation across the Palk Bay region. A detailed case study of its conservation model has been published on the PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet platform, documenting the organisation’s integrated work on dugong rescue networks, seagrass restoration, and community engagement.[6]
Recognition
[edit]OMCAR Foundation’s contributions have been acknowledged through partnerships with global networks such as the IUCN, under which OMCAR has been a member since 2012. Its field data and community-based models have been referenced in several government and scientific publications on coastal ecosystem management in India.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "India establishes its first Dugong Conservation Reserve". UNEP/CMS. September 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ a b "IUCN recognises India's first dugong reserve in Tamil Nadu". The New Indian Express. 26 September 2025. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ "Marine Conservation Leadership Programme". OMCAR Foundation. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Dugongs recovering, need cross-border efforts in conservation". Mongabay India. 16 September 2025. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ "Lighthouse Foundation – Foundation for the Seas and Oceans". Lighthouse Foundation. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ "Dugong – Seagrass Conservation in Palk Bay, India". PANORAMA Solutions. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ "IUCN Members Directory: OMCAR Foundation". IUCN. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
Category:Environmental organisations based in India Category:Marine conservation organisations Category:Organisations based in Tamil Nadu Category:Thanjavur district
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