Marine Biodiversity of Mumbai: A Museum Engagement
A structured museum-based engagement introduced young participants to the marine biodiversity of Mumbai’s coastline. Conducted under the Children’s Museum at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and held within the Natural History Gallery, the program was led by marine biologist Chahat Yadav. Using visual material, narrative, and interactive formats, the session built an understanding of coastal ecosystems, situating marine life within its environmental and urban context.
Introduction
Children’s Museum Talk: Discovering Mumbai’s Marine Biodiversity
The Work
On 22nd November 2025, the Children’s Museum Amphitheatre at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalayahosted a Children’s Museum Talk focused on Mumbai’s Marine Biodiversity.
The programme, conducted in collaboration with Narrative Trails, welcomed a group of young participants supported by an NGO working with children undergoing cancer treatment. The session introduced them to the fascinating marine life found along Mumbai’s coastline, creating an engaging learning experience centred on the city’s coastal ecosystems.
Through stories, visuals, and interactive discussions, the participants were introduced to the diverse marine world that exists along Mumbai’s shores from starfish and crabs to sea anemones and molluscs commonly found in intertidal habitats. The talk highlighted how Mumbai’s coastal ecosystems support a remarkable variety of marine species despite being part of a large urban landscape.
The amphitheatre soon filled with curiosity as the children listened, asked questions, and engaged with the stories of life beneath the sea. Their interest and participation brought a lively energy to the session and encouraged meaningful interaction throughout the talk.
The session was led by Chahat Yadav, who introduced the marine world through simple explanations and engaging storytelling, allowing the participants to explore the subject in an accessible and interactive manner.
With the support and coordination of the CSMVS team, the Children’s Museum Talk on Mumbai’s Marine Biodiversity created an engaging platform for learning about the city’s coastal ecosystems while encouraging curiosity about the natural world.
