Author: Thomas Vazhappilly

Thomas is the founding secretary of Grassroute. He lives in Kochi, Kerala.

Categories
Activities Community projects Mangrove Planting Waterbodies

Planting Hope: Grassroute and BSW Students Celebrate Christmas by Restoring Mangroves

Celebrating the inauguration of our mangrove planting initiative with Smt. Neethu Binod handing over saplings to the students
"Celebrating the inauguration of our mangrove planting initiative with Smt. Neethu Binod handing over saplings to the students, alongside esteemed guests including Ward Member Smt. C.C. Sijy, Grassroute President Sri. Sreeraj K.T., Vice President Sri. Merten Joseph, Treasurer Sri. Jose C. Vattathara, Rajagiri Outreach Coordinator Sri. Renjith, local social worker Sri. Dishi Kochuthara, and dedicated BSW students. Together, we are nurturing our coastal ecosystems!"

This Christmas, Team Grassroute and BSW students from Rajagiri School of Social Work took a unique approach to celebrate the festive season—by giving back to the environment. In a heartwarming initiative, volunteers and students came together to plant mangrove saplings along the Valiya Banarjee Canal in Nayarambalam, reinforcing their commitment to environmental sustainability. By restoring lost mangrove forests and creating awareness among coastal communities, this initiative not only enhances biodiversity but also strengthens the resilience of coastal areas against climate change.

Categories
Activities Community projects Planting

4,000 Reasons to Celebrate: Phase Two of Coastal Conservation Initiative moves into success.

Group Photo
United for a Greener Future: Participants Celebrate the Success of the Coastal Conservation Initiative.

This ambitious project has been meticulously planned by Grassroute and is overseen by Rajagiri Outreach, with support from Ocean Network Express, a leading logistics company. The initiative has also garnered cooperation from Nayarambalam Gram Panchayat, various National Service Scheme (N.S.S.) units, and the Encon Club.

Categories
Activities Community projects Planting

Empowering Coastal Protection: Students Join Hands to Plant Coast Cottonwood Trees

Participants of Grassroute's coastal conservation initiative at Puthankadapuram, Nayarambalam, where students, local leaders, and organizers came together to plant Coast Cottonwood trees along the sand wall, strengthening coastal protection efforts.
Participants of Grassroute's coastal conservation initiative at Puthankadapuram, Nayarambalam, where students, local leaders, and organizers came together to plant Coast Cottonwood trees along the sand wall, strengthening coastal protection efforts.

This initiative not only strengthens our coastlines but also fosters a sense of environmental stewardship among the younger generation. By planting these trees, students are directly contributing to the protection of their community’s future, while also gaining invaluable knowledge about the importance of preserving our natural environment.

Categories
Activities Planting

Grassroute adds more green at the coastal zone of Nayarambalam

Planting Coast Cottonwood Stumps by Grassroute
Planting Coast Cottonwood Stumps at Nayaramblam Puthenkadappuram Beach by Grassroute volunteers

As a mangrove associate, the Coast Cottonwood plays a vital role in the ecosystem’s long-term health. Upon reaching maturity, these trees provide cooling shade and nourishing mulch, fostering the growth of true mangroves. This creates a flourishing habitat for various true mangrove plants.

Categories
Activities Community projects Planting

Grassroute Joins Forces with Rewild: Plant a Tree, Build a Legacy!

Rewild's Planting project.
Rewild's Planting project.

For Grassroute, planting trees with Rewild is more than just a one-time event; it’s an investment in the future. Imagine the joy of witnessing these saplings blossom into a thriving ecosystem that provides fresh fruit, fragrant herbs, and a haven for butterflies!

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Awards

Grassroute’s I.B. Manoj wins UCC Award for Environmental Activism!

IB Manoj wins the UCC Award
I.B. Manoj, a dedicated member of Grassroute, recognized by UCC for his outstanding contributions in environmental activism!

The UCC Centenary Awards ceremony will be held on May 22nd, 2 PM, at TBN Hall. This significant event celebrates the college’s 100-year milestone and recognizes exceptional individuals like Manoj who contribute significantly to environmental and social progress.

Categories
Activities Mangrove Planting

Greening the Future: Grassroute’s Second Mangrove Planting Project Flourishes at BPCL Campus!

Grassroute volunteers are planting Mangrove saplings at the BPCL Campus
Mr. K.K. Reghuraj and Mr.Jose plants the Mangrove saplings at the BPCL's Sand Bank Island Jetty area.

This project was a follow-up to our previous efforts in November 2022, specifically within BPCL’s STF area, an essential component of the Kerala State Government’s mandated mangrove restoration initiative. Unlike our previous planting in the STF area, the conditions were optimal this time, giving us confidence in the survival of each sapling.

Categories
Activities Mangrove Planting

Celebrating a Year of Mangrove Restoration: A Joint Effort with Sustera Foundation

Our mangrove saplings after one year of growth
Green Resurgence: Mangroves Flourish! After just one year, our planted saplings are flourishing, with a remarkable 90% success rate. A testament to the restoration efforts and the promise of coastal vitality

The collaborative effort between Sustera Foundation and Grassroute is just the beginning. The success of this mangrove restoration project is a testament to the power of dedicated individuals and organizations working together to make a positive impact on the environment.

Categories
Mangrove

Celebrating International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

Sri. Prajeesh Parameswaran, a senior scientist from the MSSRF speaks in the session.

The event fostered engaging interactions between the experts and the enthusiastic students, who were keen to learn more about mangrove preservation and its importance to the environment. The successful observance of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem at SDPYKPM High School in Edavanakkad was a testament to the power of collective action and the commitment of individuals to safeguarding our environment for generations to come.

Categories
Awards

Mr. I.B. Manoj wins Vypeen Press Club Award for Environmental Volunteering.

Manoj recieves Vypeen Press Club Award
Manoj recieves Vypeen Press Club Award

I.B. Manoj, a well-known environmental activist, has been honored with the Vypeen Press Club Award for his tireless efforts in environmental conservation. His work has been focused on creating fruit forests and butterfly parks in schools, as well as restoring mangroves in beach areas. In addition to his community projects, I.B. Manoj has also dedicated his personal time to creating a small forest adjacent to his residence on a 1.5 acre land. The award was presented to him by Honorable Member of Parliament, Mr. Hibi Eaden, at the Narakkal Holy Family Convention Center.