India’s 1st Coral Reef Research Centre Is Coming To Andaman & Here’s All About It

India is all set to get its first-ever Coral Reef Research Centre in Andaman. The centre will focus on the study, preservation, and restoration of coral reefs, which are vital to marine biodiversity. Researchers and scientists will conduct studies on reef ecosystems, helping protect these fragile environments from threats like climate change and human activity. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its rich marine heritage. Here’s all you need to know about it.

India Set To Get Its First Coral Reef Research Centre

According to Hindustan Times, the National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) is set to be established in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With a budget of ₹120 crore, the institute will serve as India’s central hub for coral reef research, overseeing and coordinating studies and monitoring efforts across the country.

A senior official said that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change plans to set up India’s first coral reef research centre at Chidiyatapu in South Andaman. While addressing the media, Sivaperuman, the officer-in-charge of the Zoological Survey of India’s Andaman & Nicobar regional centre, shared that it will be an advanced coral reef research, conservation, and management centre

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Andaman: A Biodiversity Hotspot In India

During a workshop on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystems in Andaman, Kailash Chandra, former director of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), highlighted that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among India’s four biodiversity hotspots, home to a diverse range of indigenous and migratory species. That’s why, the decision to build India’s first coral reef research centre on this island makes complete sense.

He also highlighted how coral reefs are important for the entire ecosystem. They don’t just add a vibrant touch to the sea but also protect coastlines from storms by acting as a natural barrier against waves, helping to reduce damage to life and property.

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More information about this is awaited but for now, we’re glad that India is taking steps to protect its rich biodiversity.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/vlad61 (representative image)