Balaji Vedharajan
Balaji Vedharajan is an Indian marine conservationist and founder–director of the OMCAR Foundation, a non-governmental organisation based in Tamil Nadu, India.[1] He is known for long-term work on seagrass ecosystems, dugong conservation and community-based coastal restoration in the Palk Bay region of southeast India.[2][3]
Early life and education
Vedharajan studied marine sciences in Tamil Nadu, specialising in seagrass ecology and associated coastal ecosystems.[4]
Early activism and expeditions
In the early 2000s, Vedharajan undertook long-distance solo expeditions to raise public awareness of coastal and marine conservation. In 2002, he completed an approximately 1,100–1,200 km bicycle ride along India’s southeast coast, conducting outreach with schools and fishing communities;[5][6][7] and in 2006/2007, he undertook a solo ~600 km sea-kayak expedition along the same coast for marine awareness.[5][6][8] These outreach campaigns have been cited by programme profiles as foundational to his later community-centred conservation model in Palk Bay.[9]
OMCAR Foundation
Vedharajan founded the Organisation for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research (OMCAR) Foundation in 2007, headquartered in Velivayal, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, to combine applied research with education and local stewardship.[10][7] OMCAR’s work includes seagrass and mangrove mapping using drones and acoustic methods, mangrove restoration employing community nurseries and fishbone-canal designs, and fisher-centred livelihood support.[3] OMCAR has collaborated with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and international partners including the UNEP–CMS Dugong MoU and IUCN networks.[11]
Research and conservation work
- Seagrass and dugong: field surveys and mapping in Palk Bay, including use of drones and echosounders to delineate meadows (estimated >12,000 ha in northern Palk Bay by government/press reports).[1][2]
- Community response and rescues: engagement with local fishers and forest officers for dugong awareness and rescue; training on drone use for monitoring.[3][12]
- Community livelihoods and education: school outreach and alternative livelihoods (e.g., palmyra-based products, oyster initiatives) linked to habitat restoration.[9][3]
Role in Dugong Conservation Reserve
In September 2022, the Government of Tamil Nadu notified India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in northern Palk Bay (approx. 448–500 km²).[1][13] Media coverage and IUCN proceedings in 2025 referenced the Reserve and associated civil-society contributions in the region, including OMCAR’s community programmes.[1][13]
Awards and recognition
- IUCN CEC Young Professional Award (2012), recognising coastal restoration and education work.[14]
- National Geographic Conservation grant/explorer profile (2013–2014).[6]
- Tamil Nadu State Environment Award (2014) for environmental awareness. [citation needed]
- OMCAR solution featured in the SDSN Youth Solutions Report 2017 (among 50 projects).[15]
Selected publications
- Co-author, Global Assessment of Dugong Status and Conservation Needs Report 2025 (launched at IUCN WCC, Abu Dhabi).[16]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "IUCN recognises India's first dugong reserve in Tamil Nadu". The New Indian Express. 26 September 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Dugongs recovering, need cross-border efforts in conservation". Mongabay-India. 16 September 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "This scientist is roping in coastal communities for marine conservation in Tamil Nadu". The News Minute. 13 June 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ "Balaji Vedharajan – IUCN Congress Speaker profile". International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Balaji Vedharajan's story: Mangrove Restoration for Sustainable Fishery in Palk Bay, India". IUCN #NatureForAll (reposted from Panorama Solutions). 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Balaji Vedharajan – National Geographic Explorer directory". National Geographic Society. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Organization for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research Foundation (OMCAR)". Devex. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ "A Camera, a Bike, a Kayak and Conservation" (PDF). IUCN World Parks Congress (session resource). Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Mangrove Restoration for Sustainable Fishery in Palk Bay, India". Panorama – Solutions for a Healthy Planet (IUCN/Partners). Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ "OMCAR Foundation – Organisation page". OMCAR Foundation. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ "India – Dugong & Seagrass Hub". CMS Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ "Protecting Seagrass and Dugongs: Forest officers in Tamil Nadu trained in advanced drone technology". CMS Dugong & Seagrass Hub. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Win for 'sea cows' — IUCN moves to recognise India's first-of-its-kind Dugong Conservation Reserve in TN". The Print. 26 September 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ "IUCN CEC Annual Report 2012" (PDF). IUCN Commission on Education and Communication. 2012. p. 14. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ "Youth Solutions Report 2017". SDSN Youth. 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
- ↑ "Global Dugong Assessment Report – news/resources". CMS Dugong MoU. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
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