Mumbai: The Habitats Trust (THT), in partnership with the HCL Foundation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to address key marine and coastal conservation challenges.

The MoU was signed by Inspector General (IG) Anupam Rai, Deputy Director General (Operations & Coastal Security) of the ICG; Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Director of the HCL Foundation; and Rushikesh Chavan, Head of The Habitats Trust. IG Anupam Rai emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating that the collaboration represents a crucial step in safeguarding coastal ecosystems, which are essential for biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The primary goal of the initiative is to implement critical conservation measures, including the removal of ghost nets, mapping and classifying areas affected by ghost gear, and prioritising clean-up efforts. Surveys will be conducted in ecologically sensitive regions to monitor and protect marine biodiversity. The ICG, THT, and HCL Foundation will work together to engage coastal communities in these efforts, encouraging stewardship of marine ecosystems. /BI