Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav chaired the 3^rd General Body (GB) Meeting of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), as its Chairperson, in New Delhi today. Senior officials from the Ministry and members of the General Body participated in the deliberations.  It was also attended by eminent scientists and experts in the field of coastal and marine research and management.

Chaired the 3rd General Body Meeting of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) in Delhi today.

Reviewed the progress made by the Institute with particular emphasis on the conservation and sustainable management of India’s marine habitats.

Discussions… pic.twitter.com/6b8XL16NCZ

— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) December 12, 2025

Shri Yadav reviewed the scientific contributions of NCSCM, particularly in the areas of coastal ecosystem assessment, climate resilience, and marine habitat restoration. NCSCM presented its achievements in major thematic areas - conservation, livelihood, pollution, climate change, islands, geospatial technology, coastal processes, coastal marine spatial planning and integrated coastal zone management.

Directions were given by the GB on strengthening institutional capabilities, enhancing scientific rigour across programmes, and expanding collaborative engagement with coastal communities and traditional knowledge holders. NCSCM was directed to deepen science–policy–community integration across its research and capacity-building initiatives. The GB also directed to finalize the vision document of NCSCM, in alignment with the Viksit Bharat 2047 theme.

The GB directed to strengthen the capacity of the scientific cadre, including filling critical scientific positions and bringing in fresh talent to address emerging coastal and marine challenges. The HR Policy including the recruitment rules was discussed and it was directed to finalize the same at the earliest.   Importance of engaging eco-clubs, local institutions, and universities to foster interest in scientific learning and field-based inquiry was emphasized in the meeting.

The status of quality assurances received by the Laboratories of NCSCM through Quality Council of India (QCI) accreditations such as National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET), in addition to accreditation by CPCB and AERB was put up before the GB.

NCSCM is a major implementing partner for the National Coastal Mission 2.0. It was submitted that NCSCM is engaged in a number of research and consultancy projects from different State Governments and UT Administrations and other organizations including international bodies. It has successfully completed 79 CRZ and shoreline management projects and is currently handling 291 projects.

On this occasion, Shri Yadav released three key knowledge products developed by NCSCM:

1. Protocol for Assessment of Mangrove Forest Structure

A simple and standard method to assess the health and structure of mangrove forests. It helps generate reliable data that supports restoration planning and long-term monitoring.

2. Mangroves Fact Sheet

A quick reference guide for identifying common mangrove species in India and understanding their ecological importance. It is designed for use by students, practitioners, and community groups.

3. Salt Marsh Fact Sheet

A brief and easy-to-use resource describing India’s salt marsh habitats, their functions, and key identification features. It supports awareness, conservation, and field studies.

Link for Manuals:
https://ncscm.res.in/guidelines-manuals/

Link for Factsheets:
https://ncscm.res.in/fact-sheets-policy-briefs/

These knowledge products strengthen national efforts to improve understanding of coastal ecosystems and support evidence-based decision-making for their conservation and management.

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VM

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