Community-Led Biodiversity Restoration in Coastal India Showcases the Power of Local Action

Local Communities Emerging as Custodians of Biodiversity Restoration Across Coastal India

On the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, themed “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” GEF-SGP India OP7 launched a new publication titled Community-Led Biodiversity Restoration in Coastal India: Local Actions Creating Global Impact.

As the world faces accelerating biodiversity loss, climate risks, ecosystem degradation, and pollution, the publication highlights an important global lesson emerging from coastal India — biodiversity restoration becomes more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive when local communities become active stewards of ecosystems.

Community Stewardship for Ecological Resilience

The publication demonstrates how grassroots environmental action contributes directly to ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, gender inclusion, and participatory environmental governance aligned with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

Developed under the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) India Operational Phase-7, the publication was executed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, implemented by UNDP, and coordinated nationally by TERI in collaboration with the Council for Social Development (CSD).

• Artificial Reef Restoration : Supporting marine biodiversity regeneration and sustainable fisheries.
• Marine Pollution Management : Reducing ghost gear and restoring healthier coastal ecosystems.
• Sand Dune Restoration : Enhancing coastal resilience against erosion and climate impacts.
• Women-led Seaweed Cultivation : Promoting sustainable livelihoods and marine ecosystem restoration.
• Sacred Grove Conservation : Protecting indigenous ecological knowledge and biodiversity.
• Indigenous Crop Conservation : Preserving traditional food systems and agro-biodiversity.

Restoration Impact Highlights