Mangrove Foundation of Maharashtra

The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, spanning 17 sq. km within Mumbai and Thane, serves as a haven for 200 bird species, including migratory flamingoes. The Mangrove Foundation's conservation project, in collaboration with Germany's GIZ through the "Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas," led to the sanctuary's establishment. Notably, Thane Creek was declared a Ramsar Site in August 2022, becoming Maharashtra's third and India's 72nd, underscoring its ecological significance. The sanctuary offers boat safaris, enabling visitors to admire the diverse avian life. It stands as a testament to the foundation's commitment to preserving critical ecosystems.

The Mangrove Foundation of Maharashtra is actively involved in the UNDP-funded project aimed at enhancing the climate resilience of India's coastal communities. This project, with a substantial budget of 11.43 Million USD from the Green Climate Fund and a co-financing of 19.00 Million USD from the Maharashtra State, is set to continue until December 2025. Implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India, the initiative spans 11 blocks across 4 coastal districts of Maharashtra, including Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Palghar. The project encompasses diverse components, ranging from mangrove and coral restoration to livelihood enhancement initiatives like ornamental fish culture, crab farming, and apiculture, with the overarching goal of building climate resilience in the region's coastal communities.

The Mangrove Foundation of Maharashtra has collaborated with the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUB) through GIZ projects, funded by the International Climate Initiative. In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, these initiatives are aimed at marine conservation and biodiversity. Under the Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (CMPA) Project, Maharashtra declared protected areas like Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, Velas to Dabhol coastal stretch, and Ansure Creek. The projects also established a Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre, implemented participatory management processes, conducted stakeholder capacity development, and promoted awareness of marine biodiversity conservation. These efforts highlight the Foundation's commitment to safeguarding coastal ecosystems.

The Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre (CMBC), inaugurated in April 2017, stands as a cutting-edge facility at Thane Creek. It serves to educate visitors about Maharashtra's coastal and marine biodiversity, particularly Thane Creek, emphasizing its conservation importance. Through dynamic displays, interactive screens, and a cinema room, the Centre engages visitors with the region's diverse flora and fauna, including the vibrant Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary. Auditory features replicate bird and marine sounds. The Centre's boat safaris offer firsthand experiences of observing the sanctuary's vibrant birdlife, especially flamingos. CMBC plays a vital role in fostering conservation awareness, showcasing the ecological significance and threats facing these unique ecosystems.

The Mangrove Foundation of Maharashtra initiated the 'Mangrove Conservation and Livelihood Generation Scheme' in 2017 to promote mangrove preservation and sustainable livelihoods in coastal districts. It operates through village-based committees and offers substantial subsidies for both group and individual endeavours. Group activities receive a 90% subsidy, while individuals owning over an acre of private mangroves get 75%. The scheme encompasses diverse pursuits like mud crab and ornamental fish farming, fish cage culture, oyster cultivation, mussel farming, ecotourism, and more. Collaborations with MPEDA-RGCA and ICAR-CIBA facilitate successful aquaculture projects such as oyster farming using various methods. Ornamental fish hatcheries are established, and ecotourism opportunities are identified, boosting activities like boat safaris and nature trails along the coastal areas of Maharashtra.