Restoring a River and Recovering it’s original Riparian Biota

The Kasaragod district in Kerala, home to twelve rivers, includes the smaller yet significant Chithari River. Originating near Iriya and flowing into the Arabian Sea at Ajanur village, this 25-kilometer-long river is among the last habitats for mangrove forests in northern Kerala. In 2020, a new tree-spider crab species, Leptarma biju, was discovered along the Chithari River banks.

Recognizing the threats of riverine flora destruction and bank erosion, the Pullur Periya Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) proposed a biodiversity survey and restoration of degraded land along the river’s banks, a project approved by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) for its uniqueness.

The committee conducted a preliminary survey covering trees, shrubs, herbs, birds, spiders, butterflies, moths, odonates, mammals, and herpetofauna along a two-kilometer stretch between the Makkaramkodu and Velloor Vayal bridges. Unscientific river management and past floods had degraded this area significantly. Invasive species like trailing daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata) were abundant, prompting removal efforts by workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The BMC raised awareness about invasive species among MGNREGS workers and local residents, facilitated cleanups and planting efforts.

The project included selecting and planting native species, taking two years for the first round despite concurrent invasive species removal and inventory preparation. The BMC continues to work towards the river’s ecological restoration. The Chithari River restoration project gained widespread acclaim from various sectors of society for its success in rejuvenating the river by maintaining its environmental flow.

Mangroves Came Back!

Kerala is left with only a miniscule of its original mangrove forests. Mangrove ecosystems, vital for coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration, face threats from deforestation, climate change, and urbanization in the state. Success stories, like the Avasatheeram project by the Pothencode block panchayath BMC funded by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), showcase the resilience of these ecosystems. Restoration efforts include the involvement of community participation, Planting of native mangrove species, protective measures and long term monitoring and research. Local fishermen and farmers were educated on the benefits of mangroves for coastal protection and fishery sector. Specialized training programmes were provided for MGNRES workers. Native mangrove species such as Sonnaratia alba, Rhizophora mucronata were replanted using locally sourced seedlings in a total stretch of 5 kilometers.  Saplings and seeds were also purchased from JNTBGRI and workers germinated seeds in saline conditions. Bamboo fences were erected to protect saplings from strong tides and grazing animals. Continuous monitoring and scientific studies on soil health, water salinity, and mangrove growth ensured the effectiveness of the restoration efforts. The project helped in the restoration of the mangrove vegetation of the village, not only that the restored mangroves function as a protective bioshield against the coastal erosion.

The block panchayath president says “The restored mangroves of our Panchayath are now attracting wildlife, including fish, crabs, and migratory birds, contributing to biodiversity. Restored mangroves have the potential to improve fish catches and ecotourism opportunities and boost local incomes”.  The Avasatheeram project exemplifies successful ecological recovery and community-driven conservation, highlighting the importance of mangroves for environmental benefits and local livelihoods.

Fostering Fresh Water Fish Spawning Aggregations

The Inland Fish Enhancement Project for safeguarding fish spawning aggregations, of Kerala State Biodiversity Board is a conservation oriented approach to sustain the biodiversity of inland fisheries in Kerala in collaboration with selected Biodiversity Management Committees. The monsoon season (Edavappathi) is the breeding time for inland fishes in Kerala. During this period, mature fish migrate to tributaries and paddy fields to lay eggs, a natural phenomenon called “Ootha ilakkam” or “Ootha kayattam.” Unfortunately, large-scale fishes were catches during this migration, locally known as “Ootha pidutham,” disrupts fish propagation and contributes to the decline of inland fish populations. This Inland Fish Enhancement project is a model for community based conservation effort of developing indigenous brood stock, raising fish seedlings and releasing them into the same river to recovering their population. This being promoted as a practice of protecting breeding fishes during their critical life stages and ensuring their safe propagation and thus revive declining fish stocks in Kerala’s rivers. In ultimate, this ensures the conservation of the fish stock and the ecological balance was maintained. As part of the project, Horabagrus brachysoma (Manjakoori), Heteropneustes fossilis (Kaari), Anabas testudineus (Kallemutti), Amblypharyngodon melettinus (Vayamb) are the fishes raised and released to River Pampa in first stage.

The Inland Fish Enhancement Project is indeed a small but a significant step towards conservation of inland fishes. For a long term impact and sustainability, this initiative must be expanded and integrated into a broader conservation plan for the fresh water fish species of Kerala. The conservation campaign can bring in multiple stakeholders and beneficiaries involvement and lead into department level monitoring and documentation, citizen scientist involvement, demarcation of fish conservation zone, BMCs level policy regulation, etc. Through consistent awareness programs and community-driven approaches, conservation efforts like the ‘Ootha’ project can ensure long-term sustainability of fish populations and the ecosystem in Kerala’s rivers.

Bringing back the Glory of  ‘A Harithagramam’

Situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Kuttichal Gramapanchayath in Trivandrum district is home to endemic plants and animals. The area’s biodiversity supports a wide range of species. Predominantly inhabited by tribal communities like the Muthuvan and Paniyas, who rely on agriculture and forest resources, Kuttichal is surrounded by lush forests, hills, and rivers, making it ecologically rich. The Kuttichal Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), with financial and technical support from the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), has successfully completed several conservation projects, including awareness programs, a tuber crop conservatory, land rice cultivation, restoration of the Kumbilmoodu River and a stingless bee conservation project.

The KSBB sanctioned a Harithagramam project, which aims to establish a fruit garden at Kottor Ayurveda Medical College, promoting sustainable farming and improving tribal livelihoods. The project uses locally collected saplings of 25 indigenous fruit varieties, helping to restore soil fertility and prevent erosion. According to the BMC President, the fruit conservatory project enhances tribal farmers’ income and provides better nutrition for their families. Supported by MGNREGS and local agricultural experts, the project includes training on sustainable farming techniques, empowering the tribal people with new skills. The Kuttichal BMC’s projects are improving the region’s ecological health and uplifting the tribal communities socially and economically. These initiatives demonstrate how sustainable agriculture can foster environmental protection and community development.

Safe Guarding the Egg Laying Habitats of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) initiated a conservation project for the vulnerable Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) at the coastal Grama Panchayat Veliyamcode, Malappuram. This species, listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red Data Book and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, faces threats from stray dogs, jackals, cats, birds, and local superstitions regarding the medicinal use of their eggs. The Veliyamcode LSGD’s Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and KSBB have been conducting a community-level conservation program since 2021. Quarterly BMC meetings, especially before the egg-laying season, and awareness classes for the local community emphasized the importance of sea turtle conservation. Volunteers collected turtle eggs during each season, placing them in sand digs protected by metal pipe cages. During 2021-22, 4095 eggs collected while in 2022-23, 4058 eggs collected and in 2023-24, 4535 eggs were collected and conserved as part of the project. The project included awareness classes, beach cleaning and observation, volunteering programs and enhancing community involvement. The BMC is now planning a facilitation center for future community-level conservation activities and for the widespread awareness programs.

A Biodiversity-rich Panchayath shows Sustainable Development.

Inspiring Young Minds to Explore Biodiversity Science

Strengthening Sacred Cultural Roots to Safeguard Sacred Groves

Bridging Champions for Nature

Mr. Jaison P George has dedicated his life to sustainable farming practices. Nestled in the Western Ghats, his farm exemplifies a Food Forest with its diverse array of crops, including fruit trees, tubers, vegetables, medicinal plants, and spices, showcasing the power of sustainable farming.

Jaison’s farming is rooted in permaculture principles, emphasizing working with nature to create a sustainable and regenerative ecosystem. He uses natural pest and disease control methods and conservation measures to protect soil and water resources. Inspired by his father, Mr. P.G. George, a listed farm school farmer by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, Jaison continues his father’s legacy with passion. Mr. Jaison’s farm cultivates a variety of crops including fruit trees, vegetables, grains, spices and medicinal plants. The farm also houses cows, goats, and chickens, providing organic manure for fertilization. It features indigenous varieties, including the cardamom “Kanni elam,” known for its high yield and disease resistance. According to the custodian farmer, combining traditional and modern techniques ensures sustainable and regenerative practices. Jaison’s focus on sustainability and biodiversity has made his farm a model for others in the region. His commitment not only preserves the natural beauty of his land but also provides a source of income for his family. Jaison’s farm stands as a testament to sustainable farming and biodiversity conservation. His dedication is an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of living in harmony with nature.