Welcome to the new format of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board’s Newsletter!
From this issue onward, we are transitioning from print and PDF formats to an Email Newsletter to support the state's E-mission transformation. This change aims to effectively reach a larger audience interested in sustainable biodiversity management. The transformation offers numerous benefits, including a reduced environmental footprint and the promotion of the Board's priorities and initiatives.
In this edition, we highlight 11 major reports from the past three months in the Board's implementation portfolio. Featured mainly is the news about the state biodiversity awards, distributed by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala, who emphasized the state's political will and commitment to making Kerala the most biodiversity-friendly state by 2030. Utilizing the Panchayaths' power and a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, he reiterated, “Kerala, covering just 1.2% of India's landmass but home to 25% of its biodiversity, has the advantage of promoting people-led sustainable biodiversity management in India.”
The other highlighted stories are on developing Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (LBSAPs), capacity building for Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), updating People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), and educational programs aimed at school and college students focused on conservation.
As we entered the New Year, we are also excited to inform you that we are celebrating the Board's entry into its 20th Anniversary Year. In this special year, we have planned a national level consultation on People's Biodiversity Management on February 28th, marking our Founding Day. We welcome you to visit our website to know more about this consultation.
N. Anilkumar
The Panathadi Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) in Kasargod District has enacted a resolution to restrict the unsustainable exploitation of Pseudoxytenanthera ritcheyi, an endemic bamboo species with fully solid culms, locally referred to as 'Erankol' or 'Kudakkol'. This decision, driven by Section 41 of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, addresses illegal logging and unsustainable commercial harvesting practices, which have significantly depleted this resource within its natural ecosystem. The resolution is regarded as a model action by the BMC, aiming to conserve and sustain local biodiversity.
The BMC also observed the alarming overexploitation of the endemic freshwater fish Dawkinsia denisonii, locally known as ‘Chenkaniyan’, in the region's natural freshwater systems. This stunning fish, cherished for its vibrant appearance, faces severe threats due to its high demand in the ornamental fish market. As a result, it is now listed under the endangered category on the IUCN Red List. In response to this urgent issue, the Panathadi BMC has enacted a resolution to restrict the unsustainable exploitation and commercial use of Dawkinsia denisonii within the BMC area. This decision aligns with Section 41 and subsection 3 of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, reflecting the committee's commitment to conserving local biodiversity. This measure aims to ensure the long-term survival of 'Chenkaniyan' in its natural habitat, safeguarding an integral part of the region’s ecological heritage.
The Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala distributed the Biodiversity Conservation Awards, instituted by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, on 11th December 2024 in Thiruvananthapuram. According to the chief minister, Kerala has every potential to be transformed into the best biodiversity friendly state in India by 2030. He has also specified the significance of Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to achieve sustainability in the biodiversity sector of Kerala.
The biodiversity awards honor individuals, educational institutions, conservationists, and media activists for their exceptional contributions to biodiversity conservation. The Board believes that recognizing and rewarding excellence at the state level can significantly motivate individuals and organizations while inspiring the broader community to engage in conservation activities. Twelve awards were given across various categories, with five recognizing individual excellence. Notably, a new award category for "Best Conservation of Sacred Groves" was introduced in 2024, highlighting efforts in preserving these unique ecosystems. The awardees were honored for their outstanding work in biodiversity conservation, underscoring the importance of their contributions to preserving our natural heritage.
On 11th December 2024, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) organized a seminar on ‘Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (LBSAP)’, inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Local Self-Government, Excise and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri M. B. Rajesh. Kerala proudly stands as the first state in India to prepare a Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to ensure sustainable development. More than 100 individuals, representing Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), Technical Support Groups and virtual cadre were participated. The seminar featured comprehensive technical sessions focused on the preparation of LBSAP, aiming to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective implementation.
Biodiversity Park in Mundur Grama Panchayath
The Biodiversity Park in Mundur Grama Panchayath, inaugurated by Hon. MLA Mr. A. Prabhakaran on 10th December 2024, is funded by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. With 120 diverse plants, including medicinal, ornamental, butterfly host plants, and threatened species, the park features a Butterfly Garden and Medicinal Garden. Each plant is tagged with a local name, scientific name, and QR code for more information. The park offers a library, a selfie point, compost well for organic waste, and seating areas for rest, reading, and meetings. It's an excellent spot for students to explore nature and learn.
Ancharakkandy biodiversity park
Honorable Minister Sri. Ramachandran Kadannappally inaugurated a new biodiversity park, on 30 December 2024, at Ancharakandy at Kannur, spearheaded by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. The minister emphasized the crucial importance of biodiversity conservation in our times and underscored that timely initiatives, like the Biodiversity Park, are essential in raising public awareness about biodiversity and promoting its sustainable use. This park stands as a testament to the dedication of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board to safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations.
Pinarayi Biopark
A new biodiversity park, at Pinarayi BMC, Kannur was inaugurated by Honorable State Minister Sri. Ramachandran Kadannappally on 25/12/2024. The biopark project in 15 cents of area, funded by Kerala State Biodiversity Board, catches the attraction of hundreds of visitors around.
In October 2024, Cheemeni BMC in Kasargod district organized a series of five enriching programs named ‘Karanavarkkoottam.’ This initiative focused on traditional knowledge sharing for elders and aimed at updating the People's Biodiversity Register (PBR) with valuable insights from the community. Around 250 elders, including more than 75 women, actively participated in these programs. They shared their extensive knowledge and experiences on various subjects, such as traditional agriculture practices, indigenous medicines, and the profound connection between local biodiversity and cultural heritage. These sessions not only facilitated the collection of essential traditional knowledge but also fostered a sense of community among the participants, emphasizing the importance of preserving and passing down this wisdom to future generations. The ‘Karanavarkkoottam’ program stands as a testament to the vital role of elders in maintaining and enriching our cultural and ecological heritage.
On the 21st of November 2024, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, in association with Valiyathura Fisheries School, celebrated World Fisheries Day with vehemence and dedication. The event, aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices, conserving marine biodiversity, and raising awareness about the crucial role of fisheries in Kerala, featured key speakers including Dr. N. Anilkumar, Chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, Dr. V. Balakrishnan, Member Secretary of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board and Dr. P.M. Radhamany, Member of the Biodiversity Management Committee of the Trivandrum Corporation.
A painting competition titled "Life Under the Blues", encouraged students to showcase their creativity and understanding of marine ecosystems. Sessions on ‘scuba diving’ and ‘awareness program on sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation’ were carried out as part of the program. The celebration inspired students to explore career opportunities in Fisheries sector and nurturing a new generation of marine stewards.
On 14th November 2024, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) celebrated Children’s Day at the KSBB Biodiversity Museum in Vallakkadavu. The event brought together members of the Biodiversity Club and the Student Police Cadets Group from Sreekaryam Government High School, Thiruvananthapuram. A key focus of the event was discussing the vital role students’ play in biodiversity conservation. Engaging interactive sessions were held between the students and the KSBB Chairman, Member Secretary, and other officials. The event concluded with the release of the latest issue of the KSBB newsletter, EKAA, marking a memorable and educational occasion.
For the past 15 years, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) has conducted the Children’s Biodiversity Congress (CBC) to educate young minds on the importance of biodiversity conservation. First phase of the event includes district-level competitions in painting, pencil drawing, essay writing, and project presentations for senior and junior category school students. State-level winners were selected from district champions in all categories. In the 16th CBC, over 3500 students from all districts participated in the district-level competitions. The state-level project presentation competition was held on December 7, 2024, at University College, Thiruvananthapuram, where district level first prize winners of project presentation competitions presented their projects. 27 projects were presented in both Senior and junior categories. Sri. M.C. Dathan, Scientific advisor to Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala inaugurated the program. State winners were selected and the prize distribution was done on 11 December 2024 at Thiruvananthapuram. KSBB has published the ‘Book of Abstracts of the CBC Projects’ which highlights the innovative ideas of the young participants.
The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) proudly announced the winners of its inaugural Youth Ideation Challenge under the KSBB Plan Schemes for 2023-24. This initiative was designed to inspire college students, start-ups, and the public to develop innovative solutions for addressing critical biodiversity challenges across three thematic categories: Aquatic Biodiversity, Forest Biodiversity, and Agrobiodiversity. The top three winners in each category were honored with cash prizes, mementos, and certificates of merit. KSBB lauded all winners for their outstanding contributions and innovative ideas toward biodiversity conservation during the award distribution ceremony held on 11th December 2024.
Marking the 20th anniversary of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, KSBB has published a desktop calendar, which is more than just a date tracker-it is a unique piece of biodiversity education to help implement the Kerala State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2030. The calendar features 12 Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) frog species, it serves as a tool to inspire and educate about biodiversity conservation. The calendar includes QR coded information on 50 biodiversity and environment-specific days, each illustrated with 10 actionable activities designed to engage individuals and groups in conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. With 500 thoughtfully created activities, it invites stakeholders-BMCs, Local Self Government Institutions, government bodies, educational institutions, citizen scientists, business enterprises, and NGOs to meaningful steps toward biodiversity conservation.