Fri May 23 17:30:36 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Celebrates Biodiversity Day, Reports Increase in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Nesting

**Chennai, India – May 23, 2025** – Despite a higher number of Olive Ridley sea turtle deaths earlier in the year, Chennai is celebrating a significant increase in sea turtle nesting, officials announced during an event marking International Day of Biodiversity. The event, a joint effort by the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation And Greening Project For Climate Change Response (TBGPCCR), Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board (TNBB), Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), National Biodiversity Authority and NGO Care Earth Trust, showcased Tamil Nadu’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainable development under the theme “harmony with nature and sustainable development.”

Manish Meena, Wildlife Warden, Chennai Division, reported a rise in the number of nests from 320 in 2024 to 450 this year, with the number of eggs laid increasing from 30,000 to 50,000. He attributed the success to collaborative patrolling efforts with Sagar Mitras, the Fisheries department, the Indian Coast Guard, and the Coastal Security Group of the Tamil Nadu Police. “With the cooperation of the fishermen and the stakeholders, the turtles were protected. In one case, 16 live turtles were saved from a trawl boat and released back into the ocean,” Meena stated.

The event also featured speeches highlighting the importance of bird diversity and traditional ecological knowledge. Migratory Bird Monitoring Trust (MBMT) managing trustee S. Balachandran spoke on the significance of Tamil Nadu as a stopover for birds along the Central Asian Flyway. Care Earth Trust founding-trustee R.J Ranjith Daniels emphasized the historical awareness of Tamil Nadu’s people in living in harmony with nature, even during the advanced civilizations of the Iron Age.

The celebration included cultural performances such as songs by Tamil poet Subramania Bharati on natural resources and biodiversity, a dance inspired by the Irular community, and a musical performance by the Kerala-based group Vayali.

A press release also highlighted the formation of over 13,600 Biodiversity Management Committees and the preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers throughout the region, further demonstrating Tamil Nadu’s commitment to preserving its rich natural heritage.

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