Current Affairs - State - Discussion

India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve is situated in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, and has recently gained global recognition at the World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Established in 2022 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the reserve spans over 12,250 hectares of vital seagrass meadows, which serve as the primary feeding grounds for dugongs. Dugongs, also known as "sea cows," are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, making their protection critical. This reserve not only safeguards the dugong population but also promotes the conservation of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.