Chairman's Desk
Local Action for Biodiversity: A Growing Movement
In this issue, we bring you stories of a few important initiatives that are strengthening biodiversity conservation across Kerala. A key highlight is the Kozhikode District Biodiversity Management Committee’s declaration of Local -Life-Lines—a curated set of native species including trees, birds, butterflies, and more for conservation. This initiative is part of a growing effort to integrate species-specific conservation into Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (LBSAPs), promoting both ecological protection and public awareness.
The Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans help the elected government to identify their priority conservation action ranging from protection of species and habitats to mainstreaming biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge in the local development. Several panchayats and municipalities across Kerala have already prepared LBSAPs with KSBB’s guidance.
We also feature the successful completion of the 17th Students’ Biodiversity Congress, which engaged over 2,500 students across the state, and the launch of a participatory endangered fish conservation programme in the upper catchment area of Kallada River, focusing on the reintroduction of the endemic and endangered fish named “Exclamation Barb” (Dawkinsia exclamatio).
Through efforts like the district species declaration, LBSAPs andStudents’ Biodiversity Congress, KSBB aims to promote a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to achieving the KSBB-2035 Vision: making Kerala the most biodiverse-friendly state in India.
N. Anil Kumar
Jaiva Vismayam: Kozhikode Declares Its Ecological Symbols
On May 24, 2025, coinciding with the International Day for Biological Diversity, Kozhikode District officially declared its representative species—including the district flower, tree, heritage tree, animal, butterfly, bird, aquatic animal, and fish. The initiative, led by Kozhikode District Panchayat BMC in collaboration with the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), aims to promote conservation, ecological awareness, and regional pride.The selection process involved public nominations, BMC inputs, and expert evaluations from institutions like Malabar Botanical Garden, Zoological Survey of India, and ICAR. Criteria included endemism, cultural significance, and ecological value. The final list was approved after scientific review.The declaration event, "Jaiva Vismayam", was inaugurated online by Forest Minister Shri A.K. Saseendran at Samudra Community Hall, Kozhikode. District Panchayat President Smt. Sheeja Sasi presided, while Mayor Dr. Beena Philip, MLA Ahmmed Devarkovil, and KSBB Chairman Dr. N. Anil Kumar attended as chief guests. A video showcase of the declared species and honoring of experts and competition winners marked the ceremony. Over 350 participants, including BMC representatives, researchers, and officials, witnessed this milestone in Kozhikode’s biodiversity conservation journey.
Member Secretary, KSBB Dr. V. Balakrishnan delivered the Key note address. Conservator, Social Forestry Smt. R. Keerthi IFS, District Planning Officer, Smt. Aleyamma Ninan, District panchayath Vice president Adv. P. Gavas, PWD St. committee chairperson Smt.K. V. Reena, KSBB District Co-ordinator Dr. K. P. Manju, Block panchayath president Sri N. V. Babu were also addressed at the event.The declaration of district species marks a transformative step in conservation-led governance, fostering a deeper connection between communities and their natural heritage.
| Sl No. | Categories | Malayalam Name | English name | Scientific Name |
| 1 | Flower | അതിരാണി/കദളി | Malabar Melastome | Melastoma malabathricum L. |
| 2 | Tree | ഈയകം | Hopea Tree | Hopea erosa |
| 3 | Heritage Tree | ഈന്ത് | Fern Cycas/ Fern palm/ Queen cycas | Cycas circinalis L. |
| 4 | Animal | ഈനാംപേച്ചി/ഉറുമ്പ്തീനി | Indian Pangolin | Manis crassicaudata |
| 5 | Aquatic Animal | നീർനായ | Smooth-coated Otter | Lutrogale perspicillata |
| 6 | Butterfly | മലബാർറോസ് | Malabar Rose | Pachliopta pandiyana |
| 7 | Bird | മേനിപൊന്മാൻ | Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher | Ceyx-backed erithaca |
| 8 | Fish | പാതാള പൂന്താരകൻ | Bhujia Eel Loach | Panjio Bhujia |
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17th Students’ Biodiversity Congress 2025: Empowering Youth for Conservation
In order to create biodiversity awareness among students, Kerala State Biodiversity Board has been conducting district level and state level biodiversity congresses for the last 16 years. The 17th district level student biodiversity congresses completed in all 14 districts during April- May 2025. ‘Empowered Young minds for biodiversity conservation’ is the main theme of the event. The program comprises of various competitions such as project presentation, homestead biodiversity conservation presentation, Painting and pencil drawing for school and college students. More than 2500 students across the state participated in the events. Followed by the district level events, the state level students’ Biodiversity congress held on 22 May 2025 at Thiruvananthapuram. State level Project presentation and Homestead biodiversity presentation competitions were held on the day and the prizes and cash awards instituted by KSBB for the winners were distributed by Honorable State Minister of Forest and Wildlife Sri A.K. Saseendran in a grand ceremony in the evening. Book of abstract of the Projects was released by the Honorable Minister during the occasion.
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KSBB Observes International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 with District-Level Initiatives.
Kerala celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 with a series ofdistrict-level events aimed at raising awareness and strengthening grassroots action forbiodiversity conservation. From Trivandrum to Kasaragod, a wide range of workshops, seminars,and consultative meetings were held, bringing together experts, students, policymakers, andcommunity leaders.
In Trivandrum, a district-level policy consultancy titled "BLUE-GREEN-TRI" focused onurban biodiversity conservation. Kollam hosted a vibrant celebration at Fatima Matha NationalCollege, while Ernakulam organized a one-day workshop on preparing local action plans forecosystem restoration. Malappuram and Wayanad held workshops focusing on biodiversitychallenges, with the latter addressing the issue of invasive plant species.Kottayam emphasized wetland conservation through expert-led sessions, and Thrissurhighlighted threats from invasive plants and ornamental freshwater fish. In Pathanamthitta,discussions focused on control strategies for biological invasions. Palakkad, Idukki, andAlappuzha conducted seminars emphasizing riverine biodiversity, restoration strategies, and theimportance of ecological balance. Kannur held a key workshop on biodiversity policyformulation, while Kasaragod organized a seminar on invasive species control. Kozhikodeconcluded the celebrations with a district species declaration, showcasing local biodiversitydocumentation efforts. Collectively, these events marked Kerala’s committed response tobiodiversity loss and reinforced local stewardship for nature conservation.
KSBB Seminar Highlights Link between Fish Diversity and Nutrition
As part of the 7th Nutrition Fortnight celebrations, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) organized an insightful seminar titled 'Protect Fish Diversity, Promote Nutrition to All' on 22 April 2025 at the Biodiversity Museum, Vallakkadavu, Thiruvananthapuram. The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 50 women, including Anganwadi teachers, self-help group members, fish vendors, students, and Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) representatives. Dr. N. Anil Kumar, Chairman of KSBB, inaugurated the seminar, while Mrs. Irene Teacher, Ward Councilor of Valiyathura, presided over the function. Representatives of Adani Foundation, graced the occasion with their presence. A key highlight was the expert talk by Dr. Serin Lopez, renowned medical officer from KIMS Hospital, on ‘Significance of Adequate Nutrition for Women and Children.’ Her session emphasized the critical role of balanced nutrition in ensuring long-term health and well-being, leaving participants with valuable insights. Dr. V. Balakrishnan, Member Secretary of KSBB, delivered the welcome address, while Dr.Akhila S. Nair, SRO of KSBB, proposed the vote of thanks. The seminar successfully reinforced the importance of conserving fish diversity for nutritional security and community health.
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Pallikkara BMC Leads the Way with Pioneering Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives
Pallikkara BMC hosted a dynamic biodiversity workshop on April 29, 2025, at Yuva Shakti Club Hall, Aravath, to renew the People's Biodiversity Register. MLA CH Kunjambu inaugurated the event, with Pallikkara President M Kumaran presiding. Dr. V Balakrishnan Member Secretary of KSBB attended as chief guest, while BMC Convener PK Mukundan led training. Experts Shyamkumar Puravankara (birds) and KT Santhosh Panayalam (snakes) shared insights, and KSBB Coordinator Mrs. Akhila V.M. addressed BMC challenges. Over 80 ward representatives participated, boosting local conservation efforts.
‘Kavu Gramam’ by Uduma BMC
Kasaragod celebrated the launch of 'Kavu Gramam' by Uduma BMC, documenting 20 sacred groves in Uduma Panchayat. District President P. Baby Balakrishnan released the print edition, while KSBB's Dr. V. Balakrishnan unveiled the documentary. The digital version was launched by Mr. V.C. Balakrishnan, with Panchayat President K.V. Balakrishnan presiding. Attended by standing committee members, BMC team, and KSBD coordinator Akhila V.M., the event highlighted Kerala’s traditional conservation efforts. BMC Convener P.K. Mukundan emphasized its ecological value, marking a milestone in community-led biodiversity preservation.
Kerala Launches Initiative to Combat Ghost Nets Threatening Marine Ecosystems
The Kerala State Biodiversity Board has allocated ₹10 lakhs to ICAR-CMFRI's Vizhinjam Centre for a critical project addressing the growing menace of ghost nets along the Trivandrum coast. These abandoned fishing gears, exacerbated by Cyclone Ockhi (2017), continue to devastate marine life, smother coral reefs, and disrupt fragile ecosystems. Launched on April 9, 2025, the project brings together experts, fishermen, divers, and local organizations to systematically identify and remove these destructive nets. Key activities include mapping accumulation zones, documenting ecosystem health, conducting strategic clean-ups, and monitoring recovery. A special consultative workshop engaged stakeholders ranging from citizen scientists to religious leaders, ensuring community participation. Local NGOs and trained SCUBA divers are assisting in locating ghost net hotspots, while awareness campaigns educate coastal communities about sustainable practices. The initiative also aims to develop policy recommendations for statewide scaling and better regulation of fishing gear. This pioneering effort marks a significant step in protecting Kerala's marine biodiversity while supporting fisher livelihoods. By combining scientific monitoring with community action, the project sets a model for addressing the global challenge of ghost fishing.
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Updated PBR released at Kainakari, Alappuzha
Kainakari BMC in Alappuzha district updated the existing PBR and release of the updated PBR held on 12 April 2025 by Dr. N. Anil Kumar, the chairman of Kerala State Biodiversity Board, at the Kainakari Panchayath hall in presence of the representatives of BMC, Panchayath, Technical Support Group Members, Stakeholders etc.
Release of LBSAP & updated PBR by Veliyannoor BMC, Kottayam
Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and Updated PBR of Veliyannoor BMC, Kottayam District was released by Mr. M.B. Rajesh, Honorable Minister for Local Self Governments, Rural Development and Excise, on 8/04/2025 at Veliyannoor in presence of an august gathering. Sri Mons Joseph MLA presided over the function and Advocate Francis George, the Member of Parliament was the chief guest. Representatives of the BMC, Panchayath, stakeholder departments, locals etc participated in the function.
Mampazholsavam held at Sree Narayanapuram BMC
The Sree Narayanapuram BMC in Trissur district, who has secured the KSBB instituted biodiversity award for best BMC in the year 2022 organized ‘Mampazholsavam’-a Mango exhibition for the stakeholder communities including students and public. The S.N. Mango Festival introduced around 300 varieties of mangoes, showcasing numerous types such as Thathamma Chundan, Kalkanda Vellari, Himasagar, Njettiyalan, Thottapoory, Sindoor, Kolamb, and more. The event honored Ms.Bhagyalakshmi, the owner of a 300-year-old ancestral mango tree, and Mr. Asharaf Mayan, who conserves 65 varieties of mango trees.The mango festival, organized under the leadership of the State Biodiversity Board and Haritha Kerala Mission, was inaugurated by Shri E.T. Tyson, MLA. Dr. N. Anilkumar, Chairman of the Biodiversity Board, unveiled the Local Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan. The stalls were inaugurated by Dr. Balakrishnan, Member Secretary of the Biodiversity Board.The program was presided over by Panchayat President Shri M.S. Mohanan. State Biodiversity Board Member J.S. Mini also addressed the gathering.
World Environment Day Drives Biodiversity Awareness as 16,000 Join Online Quiz
As part of World Environment Day initiatives, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) hosted a dynamic online quiz for students and the public, drawing an overwhelming response. With over 16,000 participants, the event successfully sparked curiosity and awareness about biodiversity conservation. The enthusiastic turnout highlights the growing public interest in environmental management and sustainable practices. Marking World Environment Day, most of the BMCs, biodiversity clubs, and research institutes organized awareness programs with the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution," supported by KSBB. Students and the public actively participated in activities, while several biodiversity clubs launched KSBB-funded biodiversity projects as well. The celebrations transformed into a mass movement, strengthening ecological awareness across communities.
Kerala State Biodiversity Board Celebrates ‘National Reading Day’ with Focus on Conservation
National Reading Day is observed across India on June 19th each year to commemorate P.N. Panicker, the father of Kerala's library movement. This significant day promotes the importance of reading and literacy, encouraging people of all ages to embrace the transformative power of books.The Kerala State Biodiversity Board marked National Reading Day with a special program titled "Biodiversity Conservation Through Reading" at Vallakkadavu Biodiversity Museum, Thiruvananthapuram. Board Chairman Dr. N. Anilkumar inspired school children to explore Kerala's rich biodiversity through reading and become conservation ambassadors. The event featured interactive sessions with experts including Scientific Officer Dr. V. Unnikrishnan and Research Officer Dr. K. Sreedharan. Museum demonstrator Mr. Prinson introduced participants to KSBB's educational publications covering Kerala's diverse flora and fauna - from medicinal plants and marine life to snakes, butterflies, and wetland birds. Over 100 students and teachers engaged with materials highlighting traditional ecological knowledge, emphasizing the crucial link between literacy and environmental management. The program successfully demonstrated how reading can foster deeper connections with nature and inspire conservation action among young learners.
KSBB launches major initiative for native fish conservation and livelihood
The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) has launched a pioneering participatory initiative titled “Conservation of Inland Aquatic Biodiversity and Establishment of Breeding Centres for Prospective Fishes at Selected Centres in the Upper Reaches of Kerala.” This multi-stakeholder project integrates scientific expertise, local knowledge, and the active involvement of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) to conserve Kerala’s threatened indigenous freshwater fish while supporting sustainable livelihoods. Kerala is home to 196 freshwater fish species, of which 27% are endemic and 52 are threatened. Despite the growth of aquaculture, native species remain underutilized. In response, KSBB—along with KUFOS and the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala—is working to develop hatcheries, breeding protocols, and conservation-linked livelihood opportunities involving tribal and rural communities.
As part of this initiative, KSBB and KUFOS have jointly launched the Kallada River Native Fish Conservation and Ranching Programme – 2025, focusing on the reintroduction of Dawkinsia exclamatio, an endemic ornamental barb. Once common in the Kallada River, this species has suffered due to habitat degradation and unsustainable collection. On 28th June 2025, 2,000 hatchery-bred fingerlings were released into suitable habitats to support ecological restoration. The programme contributed to freshwater biodiversity recovery and has created livelihood options through hatchery involvement, post-ranching monitoring, eco-awareness campaigns, and future engagement in regulated ornamental fish trade. Supported by the Fisheries Department, academic partners, and BMCs, the initiative exemplifies KSBB’s vision of linking biodiversity conservation with ecosystem resilience and community well-being.