Thondi & Thiruppalakudi Villages, Tamil Nadu – July 13–15, 2025 : As part of its ongoing commitment to coastal resilience and marine conservation, the Ocean Farming Team from AMMACHI Labs undertook significant seagrass restoration activities in Thondi Village between July 13 and 14, 2025, followed by an ecological assessment in Thiruppalakudi Village on July 15. These efforts form a vital part of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s eco-restoration initiatives in partnership with Transworld Group, GEF Small Grants Programme (Operational Phase 7), UNDP, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and TERI.
Hands-On Restoration Using Biodegradable Coir Pots
Led by team members Amirtha, Nirbhaya, Shalini, Thiru, and Gopi, the restoration work in Thondi involved planting seagrass sprigs using sustainable biodegradable coir pots—a method designed to support the natural regrowth of this critical underwater vegetation.
Methodology:
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Coir pots were filled with local sand.
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5–10 sprigs of seagrass were treated with rooting powder and planted in each pot.
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Pots were embedded in the seabed and fully covered to ensure continuity with surrounding sediment.
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79 m² of seabed was restored using 20 coir pots.
On July 14, the team restored an additional 144.25 m² area using direct planting of seagrass sprigs in sand, showcasing scalable, low-impact restoration methods.
Local women from the community actively participated in the planting process, receiving training on both technique and the ecological significance of seagrasses. These efforts reflect AMMACHI Labs’ dedication to combining environmental conservation with women’s empowerment and community engagement.
Ecological Assessment in Thiruppalakudi
On July 15, the team visited Thiruppalakudi Village to evaluate its suitability for future restoration. Observations during low tide revealed:
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Sparse Cymodocea in the intertidal zone, likely nearing the end of its seasonal growth.
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Healthy subtidal meadows of Halophila, Halodule uninervis, and Halodule pinifolia.
Given the thriving, continuous spread of natural seagrass in the subtidal areas, the team determined no intervention was necessary, thereby avoiding disruption to an already balanced ecosystem.
Why Seagrass Matters
Seagrasses are unsung heroes of coastal ecosystems. They:
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Act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change
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Stabilize seabeds and prevent coastal erosion
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Improve water quality by trapping sediments
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Provide vital habitats for marine life
Through community-driven efforts, scientific innovation, and partnerships with national and international agencies, AMMACHI Labs continues to pave the way for eco-restoration projects that not only protect the planet but empower coastal communities—especially women.