Background

Tamil Nadu possesses one of India's longest coastlines, extending over 1,000 km and supporting ecologically significant ecosystems including mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, coastal wetlands, estuaries and sandy beaches. These ecosystems sustain millions of people through fisheries, tourism, agriculture and other coastal livelihoods. However, increasing coastal erosion, climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, marine litter and unplanned development threaten both ecological integrity and socio-economic well-being.

To address these challenges, the Government of Tamil Nadu, with financial assistance from the World Bank, is implementing the Tamil Nadu Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources and Blue Economy (TN-SHORE) Project. The project is a flagship initiative designed to strengthen coastal resilience, restore marine and coastal ecosystems, promote sustainable livelihoods and establish Tamil Nadu as a leader in sustainable Blue Economy development.

The project is being implemented over a six-year period (2025–2031) with an estimated investment of ₹1,675 crore, jointly financed by the Government of Tamil Nadu (30%) and the World Bank (70%).

Project Development Objective

The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to strengthen integrated coastal management while improving coastal ecosystem health, enhancing climate resilience, reducing marine pollution and supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

Project Components

The project is organized under five major components.

Component 1 – Enhancing Coastal Biodiversity

This component focuses on conserving, restoring and sustainably managing Tamil Nadu's rich coastal and marine biodiversity through habitat restoration, scientific research, ecological monitoring and establishment of world-class conservation infrastructure.

Major interventions include:

Development of six Centres of Excellence for biodiversity conservation and environmental education

• Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, Chennai
• International Dugong Conservation Centre, Manora
• International Bird Centre, Marakkanam
• Mangrove Conservation Centre, Pichavaram
• Wetland Conservation Centre, Pallikaranai
• Biodiversity Conservation Park, Kadambur
• Conservation and restoration of Pallikaranai marshland

Component 2 – Coastal Protection

The component adopts nature-based solutions to improve shoreline stability and climate resilience through ecosystem restoration and integrated coastal planning.

Major activities include:

• Restoration and new plantation of 1,000 hectares of mangroves
• Coastal agroforestry over 550 hectares
• Seagrass restoration and Blue Carbon assessment in Gulf of Mannar
• Kariyachalli Island restoration using artificial reef modules and coral substrates
• Real-time greenhouse gas monitoring
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
• Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)

Component 3 – Improving Livelihoods

The project promotes sustainable economic opportunities by involving at least 30% of women ensuring inclusive participation and integrating conservation with community development.

Key interventions include:

• Blue Flag Beach Programme
• Climate Resilient Villages
• Ecotourism development

Component 4 – Pollution Abatement

This component addresses marine pollution through circular economy approaches and improved waste management systems.

Major activities include:

• Installation of Trash Boom Barriers
• Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
• Discarded Fishnet Collection Centres in all coastal districts

Component 5 – Project Management

This component supports effective implementation through:

• Procurement and contract management
• Financial management
• Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) compliance
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Digital project tracking systems
• Capacity building
• Institutional strengthening
• Knowledge management and communication

Major Project Deliverables

The project aims to achieve the following outcomes by project completion:

• Six internationally significant Centres of Excellence
• Twenty coastal wetland restoration initiatives
• Restoration of 1,000 hectares of mangroves
• Restoration of 15 acres of seagrass habitat
• Restoration of Kariyachalli Island
• Development of ten Blue Flag Beaches
• Establishment of Material Recovery Facilities in all coastal districts
• Installation of Trash Boom Barriers
• Establishment of Fishnet Collection Centres across coastal districts
• Development of Climate Resilient Villages
• Promotion of sustainable coastal tourism and circular economy initiatives.

Expected Outcomes

The TN-SHORE Project will generate significant environmental, social and economic benefits, including:

• Improved resilience of coastal ecosystems to climate change.
• Conservation of globally significant biodiversity.
• Reduction in marine plastic pollution.
• Improved livelihoods and income opportunities for coastal communities.
• Enhanced participation of women and vulnerable groups.
• Sustainable management of coastal and marine resources.
• Increased private sector participation in Blue Economy initiatives.
• Strengthened institutional capacity for integrated coastal governance.

Environmental and Social Sustainability

The project is being implemented in accordance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). Environmental and social risk management is guided by the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Labour Management Procedures, Resettlement Policy Framework and Tribal Development Framework. Environmental safeguards, stakeholder engagement, grievance redress mechanisms and regular monitoring are integrated throughout project implementation.

Implementation Framework

The Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC) serves as the implementing agency through the TN-SHORE Project Management Unit, working in close coordination with:

• Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests
• Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board
• Tamil Nadu Forest Department
• Water Resources Department
• MAWS Department
• Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department

Conclusion

TN-SHORE represents one of India's most comprehensive coastal resilience and Blue Economy programmes. By integrating ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, sustainable livelihoods and institutional strengthening, the project establishes a transformative model for integrated coastal management. Through science-based planning, community participation and international best practices, TN-SHORE is expected to enhance ecological resilience, improve the quality of life of coastal communities and contribute significantly to Tamil Nadu's vision of sustainable and climate-resilient coastal development.