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.
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.
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.
The species we planted were Rhizophora mucronata which was taken from our own nursery. To avoid plastic, all the saplings were kept in bamboo pots. We had a lot of trouble digging the pits and planting the mangroves as the canal was filled with solid soil instead of mud. Therefore, it took more than two and a half hours to plant a hundred saplings.
Keralites use coconut as food, tender coconuts for water and toddy they drink, with the fronds they make mats and roofings, with the oil they cook and with the husk fibre they make ropes. But the thing is that coconut is declaining in Kerala. On World Coconut Day, we plant a few saplings.
Sustera Foundation activists, team Grassroute and Rajagiri Outreach Students jointly planted Mangrove Saplings at two locations near to Natural Fish Ponds at Nayarambalam.
About 75 students participated in the Pokali Farming Workshop Chapter 3 designed with the intention of popularizing Pokkali farming. By covering this chapter, participants learned the transplantation of the Pokkali seedlings in uniform distance in straight rows.
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.
On the second week of April, the Ward Member, Nayarambalam Panchayath, Mrs Beena Jagadeeshan inaugurated the Grassroute Mangrove Nursery. Students from various schools and colleges were present to witness the event. Some native people also attended the ceremony. It was a pride moment for Team Grassroute fulfilling a dream job.
This pilot project serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to Mangrove conservation and restoration. By embracing innovative techniques and nurturing Mangroves in thoughtfully crafted habitats, we aspire to secure a flourishing future for these invaluable ecosystems.