Mahabalipuram: Tamil Nadu's first Mangrove Conclave on Tuesday spotlighted the state's ambitious coastal restoration efforts, with experts and officials calling for legal protection, community-led conservation, and climate justice to safeguard these fragile ecosystems.

Speaking at the conclave, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Thiru. Srinivas R. Reddy said Tamil Nadu was creating a bioshield across 126 km of its coastline through afforestation and mangrove planting. “Twelve village-level mangrove councils have already been formed, with more on the way. This community-driven initiative will safeguard our coasts with nature's own shield,” he said.

Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Climate Change & Forests, Tmt. Supriya Sahu, described Killai as India's first climate-resilient village. Stressing the need for legal recognition, she said, “Mangroves must be brought under reserve forest status to protect them. Communities will be at the heart of protection through mangrove councils. Tamil Nadu has also prepared its first statewide Mangrove Atlas, a scientific guide for restoration and expansion.”

Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati, Head of UNEP India, underlined that “mangroves respond to the triple climate crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” while MSSRF Chairperson Dr. Soumya Swaminathan emphasised participatory research, genetic conservation, and the medicinal value of mangroves.

Experts also highlighted risks such as encroachment, salt pan expansion and cyclone impacts. “Mangroves are our frontline defence against climate change,” said Dr. Ramesh Ramachandran of the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company, citing the state's Mangrove Atlas as a critical tool.

Governing Council member Dr. A. Kalaiyarasan said Tamil Nadu's Dravidian model had combined social progress with environmental stewardship, making climate justice an integral part of governance.

MoEFCC scientist Dr. Raghavan urged equal focus on preservation and planting. “It takes 15 to 30 years for mangroves to fully grow. Ecology is the world's permanent economy—we must integrate emotion into conservation,” he said.

The conclave also saw MoUs signed with UNEP and MSSRF to scale up coastal restoration, urban cooling and eco-livelihoods.