Celebrating World Wetlands Day with Planting Mangroves at Valappu Beach

World Wetlands Day is a day that is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of wetlands and the role they play in maintaining the ecological balance of the planet. This year, Grassroute took the lead in organizing a planting project at the marshy lands of Valappu Beach to mark this important day.

The opening ceremony

The project was inaugurated by Mrs Rasikala Priyaraj, the Panchayath President of Elamkunnappuzha, who planted the first sapling. This was a momentous occasion and set the tone for a day of environmental activism and positive change.

The event was supported by Transworld and Social Forestry, two organizations that are committed to preserving the natural environment. Mr K.K. Reghuraj was also present at the event and he explained the importance of wetlands and how they are critical to the survival of many species of plants and animals.

“Wetlands are critical ecosystems that provide a range of essential services, including water filtration, flood control, habitat for biodiversity, and support for human livelihoods. They also play a key role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

— K.K. Reghuraj, Farm Superintendent, Kufos

Teachers and Students from different schools/colleges participated in the planting

The highlight of the day was the participation of many students from different parts of the district who came together to contribute to the cause. Students and their teachers from Rajagiri College of Social Science, Sacred Heart College Thevara, KMEA Engineering College Aluva, Sree Shankara College Kalady, Arch Bishop Attippetti School, St. Teresas College, Govt. UPS Edavanakkad and SNV School Paravur actively participated in the event. They showed great enthusiasm and zeal in planting saplings and helping to create a greener and more sustainable future.

To conclude, the planting project at Valappu Beach was a resounding success and a testament to the power of collective action and community involvement. We hope that this project will inspire others to take similar initiatives and work towards a more sustainable future for our planet. Let us all do our part in conserving wetlands and preserving the rich biodiversity that they support.

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