Background The coastal ecosystems of Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, were under increasing pressure due to marine biodiversity loss, degradation of seagrass meadows, pollution, and declining livelihood opportunities for coastal communities—particularly women. Overfishing, unsustainable resource use, climate variability, and limited access to alternative income sources had weakened traditional fisheries-based livelihoods and disrupted long-standing human–ocean relationships. Women, despite their central role in household and community resilience, had historically faced social, cultural, and institutional barriers that restricted their participation in marine-based livelihoods. At the same time, ecologically valuable habitats such as seagrass meadows, which supported fisheries, shoreline protection, and blue carbon sequestration, were increasingly threatened. In this context, nature-based solutions that integrated ecosystem restoration with inclusive livelihood development were urgently needed. Sustainable seaweed cultivation and integrated aquaculture offered a climate-resilient pathway to restore marine ecosystems while generating alternative income opportunities. The project "Blue is the New Pink" emerged from this need, positioning women as key agents of ecological restoration, livelihood diversification, and sustainable coastal development. The project was implemented by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. Implementation The project was implemented through a phased, community-centred approach integrating ecological assessment, capacity building, and livelihood development. Baseline biodiversity surveys and seagrass mapping were conducted through field visits, boat surveys, and community consultations to assess habitat conditions and species diversity. Women were then mobilised and trained using participatory, module-based programmes covering seaweed cultivation, IMTA, business development, life skills, and digital literacy. Scientific site selection, continuous technical supervision, and clear SOPs ensured safe and sustainable cultivation practices. Parallel awareness programmes, ICT-enabled learning, seagrass restoration, and coastal clean-up activities strengthened environmental stewardship. Women-led processing and value addition transformed seaweed into marketable products, embedding sustainability, ownership, and long-term livelihood resilience within coastal communities. Application of Indigenous Knowledge Indigenous knowledge played a critical role in guiding site selection, seasonal planning, species identification, and sustainable harvesting practices. Local women’s experiential understanding of tides, currents, and marine ecosystems enhanced scientific interventions, ensured cultural acceptance, reduced ecological risks, and strengthened long-term sustainability of seaweed cultivation and coastal restoration efforts. Although seaweed has long been cultivated in the region, it was not traditionally part of local diets. Women innovated seaweed-based recipes, preparing pickles, pakoras, cutlets, and other familiar foods. They introduced seaweed into daily meals, improving household nutrition while building local market acceptance. Impact The project restored and conserved 107 hectares of marine ecosystems, including seaweed farms, IMTA areas, and seagrass meadows. It directly benefited 102 households, indirectly reached 500 households. Over 2,000 community members gained skills, awareness, and social empowerment, with strong inclusion of SC and MBC groups. Source : Voices from the Coast: Grassroots Solutions for Marine Sustainability Community-led Coastal Restoration under GEF-SGP India