KSBB Newsletter April – June 2026 - Kerala State Biodiversity Board

Chairman’s Corner

'Kerala’s biodiversity governance is entering a decisive phase. Through the Biodiversity-Friendly Villages initiative, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) is steadily reaching out to Local Self Governments via their Biodiversity Management Committees. This grassroots engagement is not only strengthening village-level conservation but also aligning Kerala with the KMGBF Target 23, which calls for inclusive, participatory biodiversity governance by 2030.

By embedding conservation into local planning, KSBB is laying the foundation for climate-resilient communities that directly contribute to the State’s Carbon Neutral Mission 2050. Each village becomes a node of ecological stewardship, where protecting wetlands, restoring native forests, and conserving rare trees converge into a collective roadmap. The journey from 2030 targets to 2050 goals is clear: Kerala’s path to climate neutrality begins with empowered villages, guided by science, law, and community action.

We invite our readers to join hands in this collective biodiversity action, ensuring Kerala’s villages lead the way to a climate-neutral future'.

N. Anil Kumar

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the State-level World Environment Day celebrations on Friday at Mascot Hotel, jointly organized by Kerala State Biodiversity Board, the Environment Department and KSCSTE. The event marked the launch of a 100 RET Tree Species Conservation Campaign named the "Grow Our Dying Trees (GOD Trees)" Campaign by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) as part of its 21st anniversary celebrations.The Campaign will be promoted through active participation of local self-governments, educational institutions, research organizations, voluntary groups, and the public.

For the first phase, the initiative targets 21 rare, endemic, and threatened plant species for urgent conservation. Among the most critical are Kavilippa, believed to have only one or two surviving trees worldwide, and ThekkanAattilippa, represented by just a handful of individuals. The list also includes Kerala endemics like Malamavu and Kaattashokam, alongside Akil, Aattuvanchi, Karanjili, Cherunjaara, Poriyal, Vitti, Marotti, and VeluthaKunthirikkam.

Padmasree Awardee Smt. Devaki Amma, renowned for her lifelong dedication to afforestation and environmental conservation, was honored by the Chief Minister during the function. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan distributed saplings developed by JNTBGRI to representatives of 21 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in Thiruvananthapuram district.

KSBB Chairman Dr. N. Anil Kumar highlighted that biodiversity loss and climate change remain pressing global challenges, stressing that conserving RET trees is vital for wildlife habitat, soil and water conservation, and carbon sequestration.

On International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22), KSBB unveiled the ‘Model Biodiversity-Friendly Villages’ initiative to promote climate resilient development through conservation sensitive projects. Inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister for Health K. Muraleedharan, a State-level workshop discussed climate-resilient agriculture, wetland restoration, the ‘One Health’ approach, and alignment with global biodiversity frameworks. Representatives from 14 districts and 45 model biodiversity management committees attended. The government pledged strong support for local conservation projects in collaboration with KSBB. Parallel to this, detailed deliberations were held on district-level local biodiversity strategies and action plans.

About The Book

This publication, "Local Biodiversity Sustainable Management: 100 Success Stories," documents the achievements of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in Kerala, India, from 2019 to 2025. It highlights the state's proactive approach to biodiversity conservation under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002. Kerala was a pioneer, forming BMCs in all local self-governments by 2012 and completing their formation in 2019.

The book features 100 exemplary case studies from various BMCs. Their work has evolved from initially creating People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) to implementing active conservation and sustainable use projects. Key activities include the conservation of traditional crop varieties, medicinal plants, and aquatic resources, alongside developing sustainable livelihood models based on biodiversity.

The publication serves as a guide and inspiration, showcasing the successful integration of local communities in conservation. It also notes the support provided by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) in training and guiding the BMCs.

As part of Jaivajalakam, Dr C.P. Shaji, Asso. Professor, KUFOS Knowledge Centre, Chavakkad, Thrissur, conducted a session on the natural history of freshwater fish in May, while Dr. Roshnath Ramesh led a class on “Birds – The Winged Beauties Around Us” in April. With this, the board has now completed 12 expert-led sessions covering various fields of biodiversity conservation. To date, over 1,800 clubs have participated in the initiative, reflecting strong engagement across the state.

A one-day Forest and Environment Restoration Mission, organized by the Perangimala Grama Panchayat, underscored the critical need for the restoration of natural forests. The event was chaired by Dr. N. Anil Kumar, Chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. The mission identified that unregulated planting of exotic species such as Eucalyptus, Manjium, and Acacia has led to the decline of native forest cover, reduced groundwater levels, agricultural loss, and increased human–wildlife conflict. Dr. Sreekumar of JNTGRI outlined the project’s objective of achieving sustainable development by reviving native ecosystems. The initiative will be implemented with support from NABARD and government agencies, utilizing MGNREGA funds. Technical sessions were led by Dr. Abboor Jabbar, with moderation by Salim Pallivila. The mission concluded with a commitment to remove invasive exotic trees, restore indigenous vegetation, and ensure biodiversity conservation through active community participation.

Stakeholders Chart a Conservation Roadmap for Kole Wetlands

Over 50 stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, local self-governments, and Biodiversity Management Committees, gathered at the College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, KAU, for a multi-stakeholder workshop on the Kole paddy system. Organized by MSSRF, KSBB, KAU, and the Kole Birders’ Collective, the event advanced efforts to declare Kole a Local Agrobiodiversity Heritage System (LAHS).

MSSRF presented key learnings from their one-year study, followed by rich deliberations. Participants stressed the need for scientific definition and mapping of Kole wetlands, coupled with FAO GIAHS recognition to unlock global funding. Farmers called for fair pricing, GI-based branding, and value addition. Urgent ecological concerns included saltwater intrusion, damaged water regulators, declining fish diversity, and invasive species.

The workshop also highlighted gaps in inter-departmental coordination and the need to document traditional knowledge and labour systems. Strengthening BMCs, promoting responsible eco-tourism, and developing integrated livelihood models—such as Green Army initiatives and incubation support—emerged as priority actions. A common vision, community action plan, and policy note are now being drafted to secure the future of Kole.

City Biodiversity Index and LBSAP Project for Thiruvananthapuram corporation

In a significant step towards balancing urban growth with ecological conservation, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation officially launched the City Biodiversity Index (CBI) and the Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (LBSAP) on June 16, 2026, at Thiruvnanthapuram. The initiatives, implemented in partnership with the Kerala State Biodiversity Board and the Kerala Forest Research Institute, aimed to protect the city's natural heritage. Presiding over the function, Mayor Adv. V. V. Rajesh affirmed the Corporation's dedication to safeguarding over 400 ponds within the city. Environment Minister Shri. Sunny Joseph inaugured the project, expressing concern over rising temperatures and the rapid urbanization of Kerala. He commended the capital city for adopting data-driven conservation strategies. The event featured technical panel discussions on the Biodiversity Act and the Urban Nature Index, with experts highlighting Thiruvananthapuram's historical commitment to biodiversity in its urban planning.

The Green-1000 Project, a CSR initiative by the Adani Foundation in partnership with the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, was inaugurated at Government Women’s College. The project aims to plant one thousand native trees across educational and public institutions in Thiruvananthapuram to enhance urban biodiversity. Dr. N. Anil Kumar, Board Chairman, inaugurated the programme, emphasizing native species over exotics. The inaugural planting at Government Women's College featured a diverse array of native species, including ‘Karanjili, Ponnunjaaval, Undappayin, Malamavu, Kayampoo, Vellakkunthirikkam, Attupunna, Ponga, Kaattashokam, Chembuli, Kaattu Jaara, Vellakili, Ellooti, Kaari, Korrandi, and Kodampuli’. These indigenous fruit-bearing and threatened trees enrich urban habitats, support local wildlife, and strengthen the ecological resilience of Thiruvananthapuram's institutional landscapes. The event saw planting of threatened fruit-bearing trees by students and officials, including representatives from JNTBGRI. This initiative bridges scientific knowledge with community action, restoring ecological balance and fostering environmental stewardship among the younger generation.

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board also organized ‘BioShield – Green Commitment Programme’ at the Zoo-Museum compound as part of World Earth Day celebrations. Observed under the Green-1000 project, the event promotes planting rare species using Adani Airport’s CSR funds. Inaugurated by Padmasree. M C Dathan, the programme has urged sustainable lifestyles and public environmental responsibility. Addresses were delivered by N Anil Kumar, S Sreekumar, Manjula Devi, Rajesh, Rahul Bhatkoti, and Sebastian Britto.

Thiruvananthapuram, 9 June 2026 – The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), in partnership with Mar Ivanios College, hosted a special session on Research and Biodiversity Law, as part of the International Conference on Frontiers in Life Science (FLS 2026).The session focused squarely on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), addressing responsible research practices, Digital Sequence Information (DSI), traditional knowledge protection, and emerging regulatory frameworks. Experts stressed the need for researchers to obtain prior informed consent and establish mutually agreed terms when utilizing biological resources.
A key highlight was the discussion on DSI and its implications under the Nagoya Protocol, alongside legal safeguards for indigenous knowledge. Speakers called for integrating ABS awareness into academic curricula and research proposals. The collaboration signals a strong commitment to ensuring Kerala's biodiversity is scientifically explored while remaining legally compliant and ethically governed.
The discussion witnessed the active participation of a distinguished group of experts and professionals. Dr. N. Anil Kumar, Chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, led the session as the lead speaker, with Dr. Narendran Thiruthy from IIT Kharagpur serving as a panelist. The resource persons included Dr. V. Balakrishnan (Member Secretary, KSBB), Dr. R. V. Varma (Board member), Shri. Deepthi Kumar (IFS), Dr. A. V. Santhoshkumar (Board member), Dr. P. S. Asha (ICAR-CMFRI), Prof. Mohamed Hatha Abdulla (CUSAT), Dr. Radhakrishnan K. V. (CEAR–NIIST), Dr. Radha R. K. (JNTBGRI), Dr. Shyam Kumar (Govt. Womens’ College), Shri. Nithin Ramakrishnan (Third World Network), and Dr. C. S. Vimal Kumar (KSBB). Their collective expertise enriched the deliberations significantly.

Discover Nature's Flying Wonders: ECASA Programme Takes Flight

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board's ‘Every Child AScientist and Artist’ Two-Day Vacation Programme 2026, themed "Discover Nature through its Flying Wonders," successfully introduced students from Classes VI-VIII to the fascinating world of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. The programme combined expert-led technical sessions at the Kerala State Biodiversity Museum with hands-on field observations at Punchakkari wetland and Butterfly Park. Students learned species identification techniques, explored ecological interrelationships, and discovered how these flying creatures serve as vital environmental indicators. The experiential learning initiative, supported by Adani Airport Holdings Limited, inspired young minds to become future advocates for biodiversity conservation.

Ex-officio Members

Executive Vice-President
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom , Thiruvananthapuram

Secretary/Principal Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary
Department of Forest &Wildlife

Secretary/Principal Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary
Department of Fisheries

Agriculture Production Commissioner
Government of Kerala

Secretary/Principal Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary
Department of Environment

Secretary/Principal Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary
Department of Local Self Government Department

Secretary/Principal Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary
Scheduled Tribes Development Department

Non-official Members

Dr. R. V. Varma
Former Director,
Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI)

Prof.(Dr.) S.D. Biju
Pofessor, Department of Environmental Studies,
Delhi University

Dr. A.V. Santhoshkumar
Professor & Head,
Forest Biology & Tree Improvement,
College of Forestry,
Kerala Agricultural University,
Vellanikkara, Thrissur -680 656

Dr. Minimol J.S.,
Professor & Head, (Plant Breeding & Genetics)
Cocoa Research Centre,
Kerala Agricultural University,
Vellanikkara, Thrissur -680 656

Sri. Pramod G Krishnan IFS,
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,
Kerala Forest Department