Seagrass and Saltmarshes Restoration

Seagrass and Saltmarshes Restoration

Restoration and Protection of Seagrass & Salt Marshes are new interventions under the project in the state as well as at the national level with limited experience and expertise. Seagrass has more carbon sequestration potential than mangrove eco-system as per available research studies. In Odisha, seagrass is available in Chilika Lagoon and there are presence of salt marshes in other project landscapes of Balasore, Kendrapada and Puri districts. The project has a target of seagrass restoration and protection (85 Ha) & saltmarshes restoration and protection (500 Ha).

The actual mapping, coverage area assessment, and restoration activities for these habitats are being undertaken in collaboration with IIT Bhubaneswar, targeting the restoration of 85 hectares of seagrass and 500 hectares of saltmarshes. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with IIT Bhubaneswar for restoration work spanning from 2025 to 2027. The Chilika Lagoon is home to five seagrass species—Halophila beccarii, Halophila ovata, Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis, and Halodule pinifolia—out of the 56 known seagrass species found globally.