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.
Category: Activities
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.
Grassroute participated in the Kerala State Biodiversity Congress held in Meenchanda, Kerala, where we exhibited mangrove saplings and posters of various mangrove and bamboo species found in Kerala. The congress was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stressed the need for collective efforts to protect biodiversity and ensure the livelihood of the local population. The congress concluded on February 20, 2023.
World Wetlands Day was marked by a planting project at Valappu Beach, organized by Grassroute. Mrs. Rasikala Priyaraj, the Panchayath President of Elamkunnappuzha, inaugurated the project and students from various schools participated with enthusiasm. The event was supported by Transworld and Social Forestry and emphasized the importance of wetlands for ecological balance and species survival. The planting project was a success and a demonstration of community involvement in creating a more sustainable future.
Locally available Mangrove plants and Bamboo saplings were exhibited in the stall. Seeds of wild trees and bamboo plants were also there. Many students from schools and colleges and academic experts have visited the stall.
We have got the Pokkali farming method from our ancestors and they were doing it very well, but somewhere we have lost it somehow. Now it is on the verge of being obsolete. It is our primary commitment to support such native cultivation methods and to prevent them from extinction.
Sustera Foundation activists, team Grassroute and Rajagiri Outreach Students jointly planted Mangrove Saplings at two locations near to Natural Fish Ponds at Nayarambalam.
Grassroute has assisted Sustera Foundation to plant about 100 Mangrove saplings at the boundaries of I.B. Manoj’s Fruit Forest located at Ayyampilly, Kerala. This is the first joint Mangrove planting project between both the organisations. Hopefully there are many other similar projects that are yet to be announced.
Chapter Two was more exciting than the One. All participants from three different colleges, really enjoyed it very much. All the participants have done the job under the leadership of four senior experienced farm workers.
The Computer Science students from Rajagiri college participated in the Pokkali Farming Workshop organized by Grassroute. The team includes 53 girls and 36 boys. Department heads, Associate Director and Assistant Director of the college were also present. Mr K.K. Reghuraj, Farm Superindent, KUFOS and mentor of Grassroute lead classes on Pokkali Farming.