Mahabalipuram: Tamil Nadu hosted its first Mangrove Conclave on Tuesday, highlighting the state's pioneering efforts in restoring coastal ecosystems and building climate resilience.

The conclave, held at Kaldan Samudhra, brought together policymakers, scientists, community leaders and international partners to deliberate on the ecological and social value of mangroves.

Over the past four years, Tamil Nadu has planted more than 2,400 hectares of mangroves and restored another 1,200 hectares of degraded wetlands. The revival of Ennore's mangroves, once devastated by the 2023 oil spill, was cited as a symbol of ecological resilience.

From Pichavaram and Muthupet to Chennai's Adyar and Muttukadu creeks, mangroves have been instrumental in shielding coasts from cyclones, supporting livelihoods and sequestering carbon.

Forest and Khadi Minister R.S. Rajakannappan released a book and a detailed report on the state's mangrove journey.

The event also witnessed the signing of two MoUs — one expanding cooperation between Tamil Nadu government departments and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on sustainable urban cooling, waste management and climate-resilient infrastructure; and another with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) to advance coastal and marine conservation, community eco-livelihoods and climate literacy.

“Mangroves are more than trees by the sea, they are lifelines for our coasts, communities and climate,” said Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change & Forests Department.

Panel discussions featured case studies from Tamil Nadu and other coastal states, alongside global perspectives on restoration, carbon credit monetisation and collaborative conservation models.