A significant milestone has been achieved in Mangamaripeta, Andhra Pradesh, as women participating in the Neelamritam project successfully completed their first seaweed harvest under the Blue is the New Pink initiative.
The first harvest marks the culmination of months of training, dedication, and collective effort by the participating women. Since April, the women have been involved in various stages of the seaweed cultivation process, gaining practical experience in training and water safety, seed loading, raft preparation, and cultivation practices.
The achievement goes beyond a successful harvest. It reflects the growing confidence, practical skills, and collective strength of women who are embracing new livelihood opportunities while contributing to the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources.
As part of the initiative, participants also continued to strengthen their skills through tube net-making training, documentation activities, and environmental awareness sessions. These activities included learning about the environmental impacts of ghost nets—abandoned or lost fishing nets—and plastic pollution. Such initiatives are helping participants expand their knowledge and build the confidence and capacity needed to promote sustainable seaweed cultivation within their communities.
The Neelamritam project reflects Amma’s vision of creating pathways for women to build dignified, self-reliant, and sustainable livelihoods. By equipping women with practical skills and knowledge, the initiative aims to strengthen coastal communities and empower women to become active contributors and leaders in the emerging Blue Economy.
The milestone in Mangamaripeta demonstrates how community-based initiatives can create opportunities for women’s empowerment while supporting sustainable marine livelihoods and environmental stewardship.
The initiative contributes to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
