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New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
Tamil Nadu gives sanctuary to Greater Flamingos at Dhanushkodi
CHENNAI: The state government notified the establishment of the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary at Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram on 524.78 hectares of land on the occasion of World Environment Day on Thursday. This apart, the state forest department also reinforced its workforce with a major recruitment drive and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) certified industries under the Voluntary Green Rating of Industries initiative, a first-of-its-kind. Marking the occasion, Chief Minister MK Stalin handed over the appointment letters along with the rating certificates to the industries. He also pledged his commitment to protecting the environment. Speaking at the event, Stalin said, 'Biodiversity and climate change are deeply interconnected. Tamil Nadu is leading the way as a state that not only understands this relationship but is also taking proactive steps in response.' 'We aspire not merely to achieve a US $1 trillion economy, but to ensure that it is environmentally sustainable. In driving this shift, we are empowering our young people with the skills and platforms they need,' he added. The Greater Flamingo Sanctuary, located within the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, is a critical stopover along the Central Asian Flyway. This region supports 128 bird species, including Greater and Lesser Flamingos. The area features diverse ecosystems – sand dunes, marshes, and mangrove forests like Avicennia and Rhizophora, which stabilise the coastline and provide habitats for marine life, including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and nesting sea turtles. The notification issued by additional chief secretary Supriya Sahu aims to safeguard this biodiversity hotspot and promote responsible tourism, benefiting local communities in Ramanathapuram.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Dhanushkodi lagoon is declared a greater flamingo sanctuary to protect migratory birds and local biodiversity
A 5.3 sq km (524.8 ha) lagoon in Dhanushkodi, considered a crucial stopover along the Central Asian Flyway supporting migratory birds, was declared a greater flamingo sanctuary. Chief Minister M K Stalin made the announcement on June 5 during the World Environment Day celebrations held in Chennai. "The lagoon also supports large populations of herons, egrets, sandpipers, terns, Kentish plovers, Hanuman plovers, and both greater and lesser flamingos," says Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu. "The area, located at the southern tip of Rameswaram Island and known for its unique landscape of sand dunes, marshes, and mangrove forests, serves as a crucial feeding and roosting ground for these birds. It also doubles as a nursery for fish, molluscs, and crustaceans that depend on the area for their early development, thereby supporting local fisheries. " During the most recent wetland bird census, 10,761 birds were recorded in the area, representing 128 species, both migratory and resident, says Supriya. In addition, the Dhanushkodi beach is an important nesting site for turtles. On the botanical front, the area harbours 47 recorded plant species, including important mangrove types such as Avicennia and Rhizophora. These mangroves are instrumental in stabilising the coastline, preventing erosion, and buffering the impact of storm surges. They also offer shelter to marine organisms and birds. The broader diversity of plants, including herbs, shrubs, and trees, creates a vibrant ecosystem that supports insects, birds, and small mammals. By designating the area as a bird sanctuary, the govt aims to provide formal protection to both resident and migratory bird species and their habitats. The declaration is also expected to bolster conservation efforts for the region's varied ecosystems, ensuring their long-term ecological integrity. "We hope to promote public awareness about wetland conservation and the importance of protecting migratory birds," says Supriya. "Responsible tourism practices may also emerge, potentially leading to employment opportunities for local communities while preserving one of Tamil Nadu's most delicate ecological hotspots."
Daily Express
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Firm's bid to restore mangroves
Published on: Monday, May 12, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 12, 2025 Text Size: Some of the participants at the event. TAWAU: A total of 300 mangrove saplings were planted at Sankina Aquaculture Sdn Bhd's shrimp farm in Apas Parit under a joint environmental initiative to restore coastal ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. The programme involved the planting of 200 mangrove saplings of bakau api-api (Avicennia alba) sourced from nearby mangrove areas and 100 mangrove saplings of bakau minyak (Rhizophora apiculata) donated by Tawau District Forestry Office aiming to restore coastal ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. This effort builds upon Sankina's ongoing environmental initiatives, including a similar programme in 2023 in collaboration with Politeknik Sandakan and WWF-Malaysia, where 150 mangrove saplings were planted to promote awareness of mangrove conservation among students and the local community. The programme is a collaborative initiative between Sankina Aquaculture Sdn Bhd and Nichirei Fresh Inc, a core subsidiary of the Nichirei Group, which stands at the forefront of Japan's premium food industry. Established in 2005, the company has become a trusted leader in delivering freshness, safety, and culinary excellence across Japan and beyond. Nichirei Fresh Inc demonstrates a robust commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly in preserving and restoring vital mangrove ecosystems integral to the health of coastal environments and the seafood industry including the Inochi-no-Mori Project, a collaborative mangrove reforestation initiative in Kalimantan, Indonesia, aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts of shrimp farming and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices since 2006. The Mangrove Tree Planting initiative also received collaboration and support from Seafood Solutions PLT, the Tawau District Forestry Office, the Tawau District Fisheries Office, and WWF-Malaysia. The Mangrove Tree Planting programme is aligned with Sankina Aquaculture's core mission to foster responsible aquaculture practices while actively preserving and restoring natural ecosystems. Sankina Aquaculture Sdn Bhd extended its sincere gratitude to Nichirei Fresh Inc, Tawau District Forestry Office and WWF-Malaysia for their generous sponsorship and unwavering support towards the success of the mangrove planting programme. Sankina Aquaculture's journey toward sustainability began in 2011, culminating in 2023 when it became the first shrimp farm in Malaysia to receive ASC certification. The achievement was the result of implementing the Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) in partnership with WWF-Malaysia, focusing on mangrove restoration, wastewater management, and worker welfare. Managing Director Jenny Ou expressed pride in the company's accomplishments, stating, 'Achieving ASC certification and leading environmental initiatives like today's mangrove planting reflect our dedication to responsible aquaculture practices and environmental conservation. Present at the event were Nichirei Fresh Inc representatives Motohiro Kiuchi and Ryunosuke Hagiwara, Seafood Solutions PLT's Peter Choo, Tawau District Forestry Officer Kee Nooridayu Mohd Ayub, Tawau District Fisheries Office representative Saifuddin Hj. Husin, and WWF-Malaysia Aquaculture Improvement Officer Chor Wei Kang. The Mangrove Tree Planting Programme not only contributes to environmental restoration but also serves as a model for sustainable practices in the aquaculture industry, aligning with global efforts to balance economic growth with ecological responsibility. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Time of India
05-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
TN doubles mangrove cover, Chennai adds just 18 hectares in three years
The state's mangrove cover nearly doubled in three years, from 4,500 hectares (ha) in 2021 to 9,039 hectares in 2024, but there's little to cheer for Chennai, which added just 18 hectares during the period. In the last 10 years, when several other districts such as Tiruvarur and Thanjavur, planted more than 2,142 hectares of mangroves, Chennai, which once housed crucial mangrove forests in the Kosasthalaiyar, Cooum and Adyar estuaries, added only 141 hectares, which is a mere 1.5% of state's coverage. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai A recent report — Blue Carbon Monitoring for Mangroves of Tamil Nadu — done by Anna University for the Tamil Nadu govt, mapped the mangrove cover areas through physical visits and also by satellite, highlighting before and after images. This will help the govt address areas with weak growth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The World Watched in Awe – These Septuplets Defied Every Medical Expectation! Learn More Undo Kurian Joseph, professor, Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, said coastal development, pollution due to wastewater, and change in land use are the reasons for the degradation of mangroves in the estuary regions of the city. "Mangrove forests are among the most carbon-rich habitats. They are a natural coastal defence as they mitigate flood risks by reducing wave energy, attenuating storm surges, and stabilising shorelines," he said. He added that the mangroves also trap silt, thereby enriching the soil. "Their aerial roots offer a safe haven to fish, birds, turtles, snakes, and other insects." In some locations such as the Adyar estuary, at least 57,000 saplings belonging to various species, including Rhizophora, Avicennia, Acanthus, Excoecaria, and Bruguiera, thrived and turned into lush forests. More mangroves also invite crabs, prawns, and fish, improving the local livelihoods of fishermen. Fishermen in Ennore said due to ash effluents from the thermal plants, prawn breeding had stopped. As a result, they go to Pulicat for catch. The study also identified Tiruvarur as the district with the largest mangrove area of 2,142 hectares, including 672 hectares of plantations. Thanjavur follows with 2,063 hectares, made up of 854 hectares of plantations and 1,209 hectares of natural mangroves. Together, the two districts account for nearly half of the state's total mangrove cover. In addition to their ecological value, mangroves serve as powerful carbon sinks. Cuddalore tops the list in carbon storage with 249 tonnes per hectare, followed by Tiruvarur (145 tonnes/ha) and Thanjavur (77.5 tonnes/ha). In contrast, mangrove patches in Villupuram (2.59 tonnes/ha) and Tiruvallur (13.1 tonnes/ha) store significantly less carbon. Environment, climate change and forests department secretary Supriya Sahu said that under the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, the govt saved 1,700 hectares of degraded mangroves, apart from new plantations. "We are creating village councils in all districts to rope in villagers to plant mangroves. They take care of it. We are collaborating with Anna University and MSSRF to boost coverage," she said.
