Environment Minister Chairs Meeting of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management

India’s Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr Bhupender Yadav, chaired the 3rd General Body Meeting of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) as its Chairperson in New Delhi on Friday, 12th December.

Mr Yadav reviewed NCSCM’s scientific contributions, particularly in coastal ecosystem assessment, climate resilience, and marine habitat restoration. NCSCM presented its achievements across major thematic areas: conservation, livelihoods, pollution, climate change, islands, geospatial technology, coastal processes, coastal marine spatial planning, and integrated coastal zone management.

Senior officials from the Ministry and members of the General Body participated in the deliberations. Eminent scientists and experts in coastal and marine research and management also attended the meeting.

The General Body provided directions to strengthen institutional capabilities, enhance scientific rigour across programmes, and expand collaborative engagement with coastal communities and traditional knowledge holders.

NCSCM was directed to deepen science–policy–community integration across its research and capacity-building initiatives. The General Body was also directed to finalise the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management vision document in alignment with the Viksit Bharat 2047 theme.

The General Body directed to strengthen the capacity of the scientific cadre, including filling critical scientific positions and bringing in fresh talent to address emerging coastal and marine challenges. The Human Resources Policy, including the recruitment rules, was discussed, and it was directed that the same be finalised at the earliest.   

The importance of engaging eco-clubs, local institutions, and universities to foster interest in scientific learning and field-based inquiry was emphasised in the meeting.

The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management is a major implementing partner for the National Coastal Mission 2.0. It was submitted that NCSCM is engaged in several research and consultancy projects with different State Governments and UT Administrations, as well as with other organisations, including international bodies. It has completed 79 Coastal Regulation Zone and shoreline management projects and is currently handling 291 projects.

On this occasion, Mr Yadav released three key knowledge products developed by NCSCM:

Protocol for Assessment of Mangrove Forest Structure

A simple and standard method to assess the health and structure of mangrove forests. It helps generate reliable data that supports restoration planning and long-term monitoring.

Mangroves Fact Sheet

A quick reference guide for identifying common mangrove species in India and understanding their ecological importance. It is designed for use by students, practitioners, and community groups.

Salt Marsh Fact Sheet

A brief and easy-to-use resource describing India’s salt marsh habitats, their functions, and key identification features. It supports awareness, conservation, and field studies.

These knowledge products strengthen national efforts to improve understanding of coastal ecosystems and support evidence-based decision-making for their conservation and management.