Every year on June 5th, World Environment Day (WED) captures global attention, spotlighting critical environmental challenges. This significant day, coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide. In 2024, the theme “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration” focused on the urgent need for land restoration, addressing desertification, and building resilience against drought.
This theme resonated deeply with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), reflecting the state’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. Their World Environment Day celebrations were a powerful demonstration of Kerala’s dedication to fostering a sustainable future. Through various initiatives and events, KSDMA showcased its proactive approach to restoring degraded lands and promoting practices that ensure long-term environmental health and community well-being.
A Day of Action and Awareness
The day commenced with the planting of saplings at KSDMA’s office, symbolizing a commitment to nurturing the environment. This act, led by Dr. Sekhar L Kuriakose, Member Secretary of KSDMA, was joined by Chief Manager Mr. Jayachandran A., Administrative Manager Mr. Jose A., Office Manager Mr. Ajmal S., and other members of the KSDMA family. The planting event set a positive tone for the day’s activities, highlighting the importance of individual and collective action in environmental conservation.
Following the planting, KSDMA members gathered for an oath-taking ceremony, reinforcing their shared responsibility towards protecting and restoring the environment. The oath served as a reminder of the crucial role that everyone plays in combating environmental degradation.
KSDMA Talk Series: Insights into Land Restoration and Sustainable Practices
In the afternoon, KSDMA hosted an enlightening online session as part of their ongoing Talk Series. Moderated by Arya Krishnan, Environment Planner, and supported by Amrutha, Hazard Analyst (Environment), the session featured two distinguished speakers: Mr. Anandan Pokkudan and Ms. Vani Vijith.
Session 1: Mangrove Restoration and Conservation in Kerala
The first session was a deep dive into the vital role of mangroves in Kerala, led by Mr. Anandan Pokkudan, a dedicated Mangrove Conservator and the son of the legendary environmentalist Mr. Kallen Pokkudan, who is widely recognized as “The Mangrove Man of India.” Mr. Pokkudan began by recounting his father’s pioneering efforts in mangrove conservation, which laid the foundation for Kerala’s ongoing commitment to protecting these crucial ecosystems. He emphasized that mangroves are not just trees growing along the coast but are integral to the region’s coastal protection, marine biodiversity, and disaster resilience.
Mr. Pokkudan highlighted the numerous challenges faced in conserving mangroves, including urbanization, industrialization, and climate change. Despite these hurdles, he stressed the immense potential of mangroves as nature-based solutions to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, such as cyclones and coastal erosion. He concluded by urging the audience to continue advocating for mangrove restoration and to recognize their importance in maintaining ecological balance and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Session 2: Organic Paradise in Kerala – A True Model
The second session was led by Ms. Vani Vijith, a passionate eco-farmer and environmental activist. As the co-founder of Prakrithi Jaiva Kalavara, Ruchira Prakrithi Foods, and Vasu Jaivaganam, Ms. Vijith shared her remarkable journey of transforming her 4.5-acre farm in Haripad, Alappuzha District, into a flourishing, sustainable ecosystem. Her farm, which hosts thousands of trees, a diverse range of crops, and various livestock, stands as a living testament to the power of sustainable agricultural practices.
Ms. Vijith’s session provided the audience with valuable insights into the practicalities of organic farming, from biodiversity conservation to effective water resource management. She discussed the challenges she faced, such as maintaining soil fertility, managing pests without chemicals, and ensuring a steady income, all while adhering to eco-friendly practices. Her experience demonstrated that sustainable farming is not just an agricultural practice but a holistic approach to living that aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Through her work, Ms. Vijith has shown that it is possible to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits both the environment and the community, serving as an inspiring model for others to follow.
Looking Forward:
Building Resilience through Knowledge Sharing
World Environment Day 2024 at KSDMA not only celebrated the environment but also laid the groundwork for future initiatives. The authority plans to continue its focus on environmental protection and disaster resilience through knowledge-sharing programs, workshops, conferences, and public events. By integrating environmental education with disaster management, KSDMA aims to mitigate the impact of environmental disasters and promote sustainable development in Kerala.
The day’s events underscored the critical need for collective action in protecting the environment. As echoed by the organizers, including Dr. Midhila Mallika, State Project Officer, “Together, we can make a difference for our planet.”
Source:
Kerla State Disaster Management Authority
KSDMA Celebrates World Environment Day 2024: A Commitment to Land Restoration and Environmental Sustainability
