Awareness Program on Mangrove Restoration

Oct 17, 2025

Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER), in collaboration with the NITTE-GOK Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation (NITTE-GOK CoE AQUAMARIN) and the Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department, Kasaragod Division, organized an awareness session on Mangrove Restoration at Nagara Vanam, Pallam, Kasaragod, on 17th October 2025. This event was conducted as part of NUCSER’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), emphasizing the importance of mangroves in sustainable coastal ecosystem management. The initiative aimed to enhance public understanding of the ecological significance of mangroves and to encourage community participation in restoration efforts.

The Nitte team planted mangrove saplings at Nagara Vanam, a protected site maintained by the Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department, Kasaragod Division. Mr. Divakaran Kadinji Moola, an environmental activist, demonstrated the method of plantation to the Nitte team and highlighted the crucial role of mangroves in preventing coastal erosion and sustaining marine biodiversity. Post field activity, the team went to the office of the DFO and participated in a formal program, which was conducted in the presence of Shri Sathyan, Dy. Range Forest Officer; Sri Jose Mathew, Divisional Forest Officer and Sri Vinod Kumar CV, Range Forest Officer, Kasaragod.

Dr. Sanal C Vishwanath, Asst. Manager & Officer-in-Charge, Kannur Kandal Project, provided an insight on mangroves, explaining the diversity of mangrove species and their adaptive strategies for survival in saline and estuarine environments. Prof. (Dr) Anirban Chakraborty, Director, NUCSER presided over the event and thanked the Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department, Kasaragod Division for their support and cooperation. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Divyashree M, HoD, Environmental Health & Toxicology, NUCSER. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 40 attendees, reaffirming NUCSER’s ongoing dedication to environmental education, research and community engagement in alignment with SDG 14 - Life Below Water.