India Biodiversity Team Visit

The visit of the India Biodiversity Award 2016 team, chaired by Madam Smt. Ahuja, IAS, former Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), to our project sites in Cuddalore and Kalpakkam/Mahabalipuram was a significant event in recognizing the impact and effectiveness of our artificial reef project.

During their visit, the award team had the opportunity to interact with project beneficiaries and stakeholders, gaining firsthand insights into the outcomes and benefits of the artificial reef initiative. Additionally, discussions with Shri K. Suresh, the CSR convenor of the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, provided valuable perspectives on the project's collaboration and support from corporate partners.

PLANT's director took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the artificial reef project, showcasing local innovations and discussing the current status of Tamil Nadu's fisheries and coastal biodiversity. This exchange of information occurred during the International Day of Biodiversity event held in Chennai, providing a platform for dialogue and awareness-raising on critical environmental issues.

The visit and interactions with key stakeholders, including government officials and corporate representatives, underscored the significance of the artificial reef project in promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management. Furthermore, it reinforced the collaborative efforts between PLANT, government agencies, and corporate partners in addressing environmental challenges and fostering community development.

Overall, the recognition and validation received from the India Biodiversity Award 2016 team reaffirmed the positive impact and success of our artificial reef project, further motivating us to continue our efforts towards promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in coastal areas.