Munaikadu, Sambai & Damodarapattinam, Tamil Nadu —May 9, 2025 — In a major push toward climate-resilient coastal livelihoods, AMMACHI Labs, a research center at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, conducted a dynamic series of training sessions and awareness programs over the past week across the coastal communities of Munaikadu, Sambai, and Damodarapattinam in Tamil Nadu. These efforts are part of the ongoing “Blue is the New Pink” initiative, supported by Transworld Group and Esri India.

In Munaikadu, 20 women have committed to participating in the upcoming cycle of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) farming. During awareness sessions on ocean pollution and value-added marine products, the women voiced strong enthusiasm, especially around seaweed cultivation. Excitement is building as the village prepares to host a unique seaweed-based pickle competition, aimed at promoting creative, climate-smart entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, in Sambai, 21 women took part in hands-on training sessions focused on the production of seaweed-based products. The participants successfully developed four varieties of seaweed pickle, showcasing not only their culinary skills but also the potential for launching sustainable, community-driven microenterprises rooted in marine resources.

In Damodarapattinam, members of an existing women’s self-help group—who were previously trained by AMMACHI Labs in creating compost from fish waste and banana peels—expressed keen interest in expanding their sustainability efforts. Inspired by the recent training sessions, they now plan to experiment with producing organic fertilizers using seaweed, further enhancing the region’s capacity for eco-friendly agricultural practices.

These community-led activities highlight the growing momentum of women’s participation in the blue economy. By linking traditional knowledge with modern scientific training, AMMACHI Labs is enabling coastal women to take ownership of their environmental futures, fostering economic independence, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience along India’s vulnerable shorelines.

For more information about the “Blue is the New Pink” initiative, visit ammachilabs.org.