Hibi Eden MLA has called for the protection of Mangalavanam bird sanctuary and the restriction of further constructions around the area.
He was inaugurating the one-day nature study camp jointly organised by the YMCA Palarivattom and Kerala Department of Forest and Wildlife at the sanctuary on Monday. Hibi Eden further stressed on the importance of making the future generations aware and sensitive towards the need of being eco-friendly citizens.
The nature study camp was attended by students from various schools across the city. Students of Mar Thoma Public School, Nalanda Public School, CCPLM Anglo Indian High School and Atlantis Management Study centre took part at the camp.
Retired Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) M I Verghese spoke on the importance of mangroves in ecosystem on the occasion.
Mentioning about global warming, Varghese warned that Kochi will disappear some day if the sea level goes on rising at this rate.
Noted environmentalist M N Giri elaborated on the urgent need to stress on development without damaging the environemnt and not destruction in the name of progress. Teachers from the schools also were present at the camp.
“At our school we encourage children to take up vegetable farming and use the vegetables produced here at the canteen. We also encourage them to reduce the use of plastic. Nature clubs is very active and students take part in all initiatives with zeal,” said a teacher from Navnirman Public school.
The children were shown two documentaries and were also taken for a tour in the sanctuary as part of the camp.
YMCA president Abraham Thomas, YMCA chairman Palarivattom branch, office-bearer P J Kuriachan, programme convener Kuruvila Mathews and Advocate Thomas Abraham were among those who spoke on the occasion.