WWF-IndiaKerala State Office

2011

ANNUALREPORT

IND

ANNUAL REPORT 2010 - 2011

FROM THE STATE DIRECTOR’S DESK It is indeed with great pride and joy that we put forward the Annual Report for 2010 – 11. When we look back to the passing year, we very much realize that with a small team of 6 staff, we have been able to do considerably good work in the conservation scenario of Kerala. We do not claim that we have done everything needed. We had limitation of manpower and materials. But prioritizing the various conservation needs and issues and deciding on what we can handle within our scope, we can certainly say that we have done our best in that. If one looks at the spectrum of work that we have done, it will fall in major three bands, i.e. conservation projects, environment education, policy and advocacy interventions In the last one year, we could successfully complete 2 major projects that we have been handling since the last few years, mainly ‘Design and Installation of Information Panels, Signages and Handbook for the Thiruvananthapuram Museum & Zoo Complex’ funded by the Directorate of Museum & Zoos, ‘Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Magroves of Kannur District of Kerala’ funded by Department of Science & Technology. The project linking livelihoods and conservation of Vembanad is still ongoing and it will extend to middle of the next year also. We had our hands full with regard to environment education and awareness programmes. This includes a wide range of activities including Teachers Training Workshops, Nature Clubs, Nature Education Camps, and commemoration of environmentally important days, Friday Forums, Green Gatherings and others. The fifteen TTWs that we are regularly organizing every year across the State on ‘Environment Education’ mainly targeting School Teachers and Teacher Trainees have created a lasting impression in the field of EE in Kerala. In each workshop we have been able to train around 45 – 60 participants and thereby around 1000 participants in a year. The training has been a great capacity building programme for the participants as given in the feedback. The participants as they return back to their school are encouraged to start a nature club and take up projects and programmes in connection with local specific conservation needs. So the TTWs give long lasting multiple benefits. This has been possible through the support of CPREEC, Chennai. We have been able to associate with other institutions and agencies in their similar work also. A word of special appreciation goes to Mr. A.K. Sivakumar, Education Officer who has been sacrificing many of his personal conveniences to find time for all

these programmes and activities. For the coming year, we very much desire to support him with an Assistant Education Officer which will help him to be more effective and efficient and also bring in new programmes. The initiatives and activities taken up by the state wide network of our District Co-ordinators also needs special mention. We have just given them possible support by providing resource materials. But their zeal and dedication is to be appreciated. In the policy and advocacy scenario, we have been proactive in supporting various initiatives linked to conservation issues like that of the Pathiramanal Island, proposed Athirappilly HEP, GM crops, CRZ notification etc. We had very good support from the Secretariat also, right from the Secretary General to various Programme Heads and also the other support staff at the Secretariat. We have been involved in the various initiatives under the Marine Programme and also that of the Forestry Programme. The various workshops and programmes conducted under the GFTN-India project on ‘Forest Certification’ funded by the European Commission has definitely helped us to make a great impact on the timber and related industry in Kerala. We have also been able to provide the necessary administrative support to the South Western Ghats Landscape Programme Office and its team especially in its liaison with the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department. In the coming year, we look forward very hopefully and optimistically to do the best to our ability for the conservation needs of the State. Renjan Mathew Varghese (State Director)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to take this opportunity to thank one and all who have contributed in some way or the other, direct or indirect, to help us fulfill our mission of nature conservation and environment protection, mainly with regard to the needs of Kerala State. We express our special thanks and regards to Mr. Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO who has always given ear to all our requests and supported us in immense ways in fulfilling our mission well. Our special thanks go to Dr. Sejal Worah, Programme Director who has always guided us with her advice and inputs. We extend our thanks to Mr. Lovekesh Wadhwa, Director-Finance, Gp. Cpt. Naresh Kapile, Director-HR, Lt. Col. Sanjeev Singh Rana, Director-Operations, and Mr. Karan Bhalla, Finance & Operations Controller. The support given by the other heads and staff at the Secretariat are also duly acknowledged, namely Dr.T.R.Manoharan, Ms. Vishaish Uppal, Ms. Madhur Das, Ms. Shaila Sam, Ms. Mita Nangia Goswami and others. We would like to place on record our most sincere thanks to Mr. A.V.George, Chairman of the Kerala State Advisory Board who was always there by our side with all possible support whenever and wherever we have needed them. The work freedom that he has given us is what has helped us to reach such heights. The contribution of the other Advisory Board Members are also duly acknowledged. We would like to thank all our associates in our various projects i.e. Department of Science & Technology, GoI, Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department, Environment Management Agency Kerala, Directorate of Museum & Zoos, CPREEC Chennai and GFTN-India. Our wide range of EE programmes would not have been possible without the help and support of various departments and agencies, namely Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI, Kerala State Biodiversity Board, Department of Tourism, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Kerala State Pollution Control Board, HSBC, TKMIM, CMS Vatavaran, Earth Day Network, NIMS, EMC, CESS, Institution of Architects and Interior Designers, CISSA, DCSMAT, Warblers & Waders, Association of British Scholars, ATREE, Kottayam Round Table and a host of others. We would like to thank all the District Coordinators who has invested time and resources in supporting us in our various programmes and has also gone one step ahead in bringing up their own initiatives in organizing environment education and awareness programmes and also in addressing local conservation issues. Renjan Mathew Varghese (State Director)

CONTENTS

FROM THE STATE DIRECTOR’S DESK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT CONTENTS A GLIMPSE OF 2010 – 11 MANPOWER ACTIVITY REPORT IN DETAIL

I. CONSERVATION PROJECTS

II. ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION & AWARENESS PROGRAMMES

III. POLICY & ADVOCACY INTERVENTIONS

IV. OTHERS

V. PUBLICATIONS

VI. WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS ATTENDED/ ASSOCIATED VII. INTERNSHIP VIII. SALES IX. NETWORKING X. OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

A GLIMPSE OF 2010 – 11 Conservation Projects

- Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Mangroves of Kannur District and comparison at ecosystem and species level funded by Department of Science & Technology, Government of India

- Design & Installation of Information Panels, Signages & Handbook for the Thiruvananthapuarm Museum & Zoo Complex funded by Directorate of Museum & Zoos, Government of Kerala

- Forest Certification Project of GFTN-India funded by European Commission

- Survey of marine turtles along Indian Coast – Status, Threats and Management – Kerala Component funded by WWF-India

- Development of Sustainable Livelihood Security Index for the Ramsar Site (Vembanad) of Kerala funded by Environment Management Agency Kerala, Government of Kerala

Environment Education & Awareness Programmes

- Nature Clubs - Nature Education Camps - Teachers Training Workshops (15 nos) funded by CPREEC Chennai - Friday Forums/ Saturday Forums - Commemoration of Environmentally Important Days

o Earth Day 2010 o World Migratory Bird Day 2010 o World Environment Day 2010 o Ozone Day 2010 o World Tourism Day 2010 o Salim Ali Day 2010 o World Wetlands Day 2011 o World Forestry Day 2011 o World Water Day 2011

- Wild Wisdom 2010 - NEAC 2010-11

Policy & Advocacy Interventions

- Proposed Athirappily HEP

- Introduction of GM Crops in India (BT Brinjal) - CRZ Notification - Tourism development in Pathiramanal Island - Chakkankandam pollution issue - Methrankayal reclamation issue - Draft Regulatory Framework on Wetlands Conservation - Kerala Inland Fishery Bill

Others

- Save Our Tigers - Wildlife Week & CMS Vatavaran Film Festival - Bird Race 2010 - Seminar with TKMIM on Current Trends & Challenges in Envt. Mngt. - Indian Biodiversity Congress - TRAFFIC Workshop on Strengthening Wildlife Law Enforcement in India - Earth Hour - Reporting of wildlife mortality to TRAFFIC - Association with NIMS in their greening project ‘NIMS Harithakam’ - Financial support to Vava Suresh (Snake Rescuer)

Publications

- Posters on Birds & Butterflies - Bimonthly newsletter ‘Mruthika’ - India’s Forests and the Judiciary/ Conserving Protected Areas and

Wildlife - Articles in other publications

Workshops & Seminars Attended/ Associated

- Galileo Little Scientist Programme - Class at PRS Hospital as part of Free Children’s Clinic - Class for Government Officers at IMG - Inauguration of Bhoomithra Club at Shanthigiri Siddha Medical College - MDG Workshop organized by UNICEF & KWA - AGM of Kerala Social Service Forum - Classes for FD Personnel - Photography Competition ‘Athijeevanam’ organized by ATREE - International Climate Congress at Shanthigiri Ashram

- International Conference on Climate Change organized by Cochin University

- Workshop on GW & CC organized by Christ University - Quiz on Wildlife and Environment organized by Kottayam Round Table - KFD Modernisation Workshop - Children’s Environment Congress 2010 organised by KSBB - Meeting on Environmental Democracy organized by RRC - Talk on Forest Canopy organized by ATREE - Students Wetlands Congress organized by ATREE - Addressing Climate Change through Arts - Other classes/ sessions delivered

Internship

- Mr. Jack Shaji Thomas - Ms. Neha Miriam Kurian - Ms. Nichu Willington - Ms. Santhini Achamma Koshy - Ms. Krishna Santhosh - Mr. Vishnu Devaraj - Ms. Arabhi A. - Ms. Bismi Parvin

Sales

- Seasonal - Non-seasonal

Networking

- Volunteers - Yahoo Mailing Group

Office Administration

- State Advisory Board Meeting - National Conference

MANPOWER

I. State Advisory Board

Mr.A.V.George, Chairman (Chairman, AVG Group of Companies) Mr. G. Vijayaraghavan, Vice Chairman (Director – SunTec) Dr. Bhaskaran, Member (Professor of Extension, KAU) Mr. Sunilkumar, Member (Senior News Photographer, Mathrubhoomi) Dr. B. Sreekumar, Member (Orthopaedic Surgeon, Bharat Hospital) Mr. Ravi DeeCee, Member (CEO, DC Books)

II. Staff

Mr. Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director Mr. A.K. Sivakumar, Education Officer Ms. Pushpakumari L., Accts & Admn. Officer Mr. Harish Kumar, Administrative Assistant Ms. Jerry Mechery, Research Associate Mr. Murukan Pareparambil, Field Officer

ACTIVITY REPORT IN DETAIL I. CONSERVATION PROJECTS

1.1. Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Mangroves of Kannur District and comparison at ecosystem and species level funded by Department of Science & Technology, Government of India KLSO in association with College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University has completed a research project titled ‘Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Mangroves and comparison at Ecosystem and Species level of the Mangrove Ecosystem of Kannur District, Kerala’. It is supported by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The Final Report has been prepared and the same along with other relevant documents has been submitted to the funding agency for approval and release of final installment of project grant.

1.2. Design & Installation of Information Panels, Signages & Handbook for the Thiruvananthapuarm Museum & Zoo Complex funded by Directorate of Museum & Zoos, Government of Kerala

The ongoing Museum & Zoo project work is nearing completion. The installation of the signages for fauna and the information panels has been completed. The boards showing the CZA Rules have also been put up. The Museum & Zoo Visitor Handbook has been completed and printed. The layout map has also been printed and installed. The only work remaining is that of putting up name boards for all the trees in the compound, which is progressing. The project will be completed in August 2010.

1.3. Forest Certification Project of GFTN-India funded by European Commission

GFTN-India in association with Malabar Chamber of Commerce and OISCA International South India Chapter was organizing the two day workshop on May 27th and 28th, 2010 at Kozhikode. The full logistics support was given by the Kerala State Office under the leadership of the State Director. A half day workshop on ‘Responsible Wood Trade and Forest Certification’ was organized at the Press Club Fourth Estate Hall, Thiruvananthapuram on 21st Oct, 2010 as part of the GFTN India and European Commission Switch Asia Project. About 30 timber traders attended the workshop.

The State Director attended the function in WWF-India Secretariat New Delhi organized on 25th Nov to announce the 10 GFTN Partners for 2010 as part of the Switch Asia Programme on Responsible Wood Trade and Forest Certification sponsored by the European Commission. A one day workshop on ‘Responsible Wood Trade and Forest Certification’ was organized at Kochi on 14th December by WWF-India and GFTN-India as part of the Switch Asia Project supported by European Commission. The workshop was attended by wood and related traders from Kochi and surrounding areas.

1.4. Survey of marine turtles along Indian Coast – Status, Threats and Management

– Kerala Component funded by WWF-India WWF-India is presently carrying out a comprehensive survey and assessment of the status of Marine Turtle along the entire Indian Coast. As part of the project, the survey and field assessment along Kerala Coast is progressing well. The work is being carried out by Mr. Murukan Pareparambil, Field Officer.

1.5. Development of Sustainable Livelihood Security Index for the Ramsar Site

(Vembanad) of Kerala funded by Environment Management Agency Kerala, Government of Kerala WWF-India Kerala State Office has an ongoing project titled ‘Development of Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI) for the Ramsar Sites (Vembanad) of Kerala. It is a two year project and on completion of the first year, the interim report with all details of the activities of the first year has been submitted to the funding agency i.e. EMAK for release of balance project grant. Ms. Jerry Mechery has joined in as the new Research Associate in this project. Ms. Jerry, Project Officer is progressing ahead with the field data collection as part of the ongoing project on Vembanad. The field work includes secondary data collection from various sources and importantly primary data collection from the various stakeholders involved.

II. ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION & AWARENESS PROGRAMMES

2.1. Nature Clubs As part of strengthening the NCI movement and bringing the Nature Clubs of the State to a common platform with regard to their activities and servicing, Education Officer called a discussion meeting with the Nature Club Advisers at various places including Thrissur, Nilambur and Kozhikode from 14th - 16th July 2010 and Mavelikara, Changanassery and Pala from 26th - 27th July 2010. Based on the discussions various programmes were planned for all these regions. The Education Officer delivered an introductory multimedia presentation to around 150 students of Baker Vidyapeeth, Kottayam. Single Day Awareness Programme on Biodiversity Conservation for college level Nature Club Members of Alappuzha District at TKMM College, Nangyarkulangara on 4th August 2010. Single day Awareness Programme on Biodiversity Conservation for college level Nature Club Members of Malappuram District at NSS College, Manjeri on 6th August 2010. Single day Awareness Programme on Biodiversity Conservation at MES College, Marampally, Ernakulam District on 11th August 2010. Observation of Farmers Day (Chingom 1) at Bishop Hodges High School, Mavelikara. Introductory session on Nature Clubs and Conservation Initiatives for Nature Club Members of KVVS College of Technology, Adoor, Kollam District. Around 45 nature club members from four different clubs of Kozhikode attended the Nature Trail to Kottuly Wetlands organized on 1st September 2010 and was led by Dr. Jafer Palot of Zoological Survey of India and Prof. P.I. John, Distict Co-ordinator of NCI. Education Officer delivered a multimedia presentation on ‘Environmental Pollution’ at Sri Ayyappa College, Eramallikkara, Alappuzha District. About 80 students attended the session.

Education Officer organized a half day session on ‘Biodiversity of Kerala’ at NSS Training College, Ottappalam in connection with the inauguration of Haritha Nature Club that is affiliated with WWF-India. Around 280 teacher trainees of the college attended the session. Education Officer led a multimedia presentation at St.Jacob’s Training College, Menamkulam, Thiruvananthapuram on 7th March as part of their Nature Club inauguration. The presentation was focused on the environmental issues of the State and had participation from 120 Teacher Trainees.

2.2. Nature Education Camps

Kerala State Office with the cooperation of Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department organised a Nature Education Camp at Parambikulam WLS from 9th to 11th July 2010. About 20 nature enthusiasts from across the State participated. The programme was led by A.K. Sivakumar, Education Officer.

Twenty one members of the Eco club of Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) of Infopark, Kochi attended a camp organized by WWF for three days from 24th to 26th of September 2010 within the Vazhachal forests. The participants got as wide range of experience and enjoyed the nature walk, bird watching, butterfly watching, feel the nature, feel the river, night safari etc. Education Officer and 17 nature enthusiasts had a wonderful nature Camp at Silent Valley National Park from 5th to 7th November 2010 and experienced the beauty and sereneness of the evergreen canopy. WWF-India, Kerala State Office conducted a three day nature education camp at Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary from 16th to 18th December 2010 in which 19 students of MAMO College, Mukkom, Kozhikode participated. Kerala State Office conducted a three day Nature Orientation Camp at Thirunelly from 7th to 9th January 2011 and was attended by 13 nature enthusiasts of different walks. They trekked up to Pakshipathalam where thousands of edible nested swift lets and bats anchor.

2.3. Teachers Training Workshops (15 nos) funded by CPREEC Chennai

WWF-India Kerala State Office with the support of CPREEC, Chennai has been over the years regularly organizing Teachers Training Workshops targeting

School Teachers and Teacher Trainees. Around 15 such workshops were organized in different parts of Kerala in the academic year of 2010 – 11 on the theme of ‘Biodiversity conservation’. All the workshops were enriched with technical sessions on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem interpretation and activity sessions on relevant topics. The venues and dates are (1) Ace Public School, Manjery, Malappuram on 3rd November, 2010 (2) St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri, Kozhikode on 4th November, 2010 (3) St. Joseph’s Training College, Pavaratty, Thrissur on 24th November, 2010 (4) Govt. Victoria Girls HSS, Chittoor, Palakkad on 25th November, 2010 (5) Mar Theophilus College of Teacher Education at Thiruvananthapuram on 5th January (6) Aravinda Vidya Mandir, Pallikkathode at Kottayam on 13th January (7) NSS Training College, Pandalam on 21st January (8) SN Training College, Varkala at Thiruvananthapuram on 27th January (9) JP Memorial B Ed College, Kattappana, Idukky District on 10th February (10) Millath College of Teacher Education, Suranad, Kollam on 11th February (11) Govt. Girls HSS, Thodupuzha on 14th February (12) School of Pedagogical Sciences, Kannur University on 17th February (13) Apsara Public School, Kasaragod on 22nd February (14) NSS Training College, Ottappalam on 24th February (15) Peet Memorial Training College, Mavelikara on 3rd March 2011

2.4. Friday Forums/ Saturday Forums Friday Forum – The open forum for school students to discuss and share their views and concerns over environmental issues on first Friday of every month. Friday Forum for the month of July was held on 2nd July 2010 at the Museum Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram from 10.30 to 12.30pm. About 170 Nature Club Members from 7 Nature Clubs participated and Sri. Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director of WWF-India presented the topic ‘Ecological Footprint’. Friday Forum for the month of August was held on 6th August 2010 at the usual venue and usual time. About 200 students participated. The technical session on ‘Environmental health, sanitation and hygiene’ was led by Ms. Shyni D.S., Project Officer, Shuchithwa Mission, GoK. Friday Forum for the month of September was held on 9th September 2010 at the Museum Auditorium. The State Director delivered a talk on ‘Remote Sensing in Natural Resource Management’. About 140 students from different schools participated.

Friday Forum for the month of December was held on 3rd December 2010 at the Museum Auditorium. Sri. Johnson of Energy Management Centre, Thiruvananthapuram led the session on ‘Energy Conservation’. Around 200 students from different schools attended the forum. Following the success of the monthly open forum for students at Thiruvananthapuram, an open forum was launched at Kozhikode hence forth regularly on first Saturday of every alternative month at Regional Science Center and Planetarium. It is a joint initiative of WWF-India, Kerala State Office and the Planetarium. It was inaugurated by Sri.M.K.Raghavan, MP of Kozhikode in a function presided over by Sri.C.Balachandran Nair, Chief Conservator of Forests. Sri.V.S.Ramachandran, Project Coordinator of the Planetaurium welcomed the participants and guests. Sri. Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director of WWF-India and Dr. C.Radhakrishnan, Director of Zoological Survey of India felicitated the function. The theme of the open forum was Wetland ecosystem that was led by Dr.Jafar Palot from Zoological Survey of India. About 160 students from different educational institutions participated in the programme. Prof. John P.I. and Mr. A.K.Sivakumar led the programme.

2.5. Commemoration of Environmentally Important Days

2.5.1. Earth Day 2010 Earth Day 2010 on April 22nd – WWF-India Kerala State Office commemorated Earth Day 2010 in a very different manner by arranging a ‘Nature Trail to Kallar’, the first of its kind for 30 inmates of age group 10-15 from the orphanage of Sri Moolam Shashtipurthi Smaraka (SMSS) Hindu Mahila Mandiram, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram. The programme was organised with the support of Earth Day Network.

2.5.2 World Migratory Bird Day 2010 World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), the global initiative launched in 2006 devoted to celebrating migratory birds and for promoting their conservation was commemorated at Thiruvananthapuram by WWF-India, Kerala State Office and Warblers & Waders jointly with awareness programme and bird watching trip. The programme was very unique in the sense that this was the first time that the World Migratory Bird Day was being observed in the State. The awareness programme was held on 8th May 2010 at Lenin Balavady, Vazhuthacaud. It was attended by around fifty bird enthusiasts including students. On the 9th, a team

of 21 bird enthusiasts visited Koonthakkulam Bird Sanctuary located in the remote village of Thirunelvei district of Tamilnadu. Sri.C.Susanth, A.K.Sivakumar and C.Harikumar led the programme.

2.5.3 World Environment Day 2010

i. Mavelikara On 3rd June 2010, Mr. A.K.Sivakumar, Education Officer from WWF-India, Kerala State Office did a presentation on ‘Biodiversity’ on WED 2010 at Peet Memorial Training College, Mavelikara. Around 110 Teacher Trainees attended the function. During the afternoon, 15 trainees were selected on the basis of their effective communication skill for the school level campaign on the next day. As June 5th (Saturday) was holiday for schools, the campaign was conducted on 4th June (Friday). Mr.A.K.Sivakumar trained the participants to present a multimedia presentation on the topic of ‘Biodiversity of Kerala’, covering both content as well as presentation tips. They were grouped into five teams and each team of three trainees visited and did the presentation at three schools each. In total, they addressed around 100 students in each school. Thus the reach of the programme spread to 15 more institutions and 1500 school students. Each school was provided with WED 2010 poster and the resource material kit on the theme provided by Zoo Outreach Organization, Coimbatore. In the evening another team of the college presented a 15 minutes long street play at Mavelikara Town on the topic of ‘Nature Conservation’ followed by a movie screening on the same topic. Both the programmes pulled a big crowd and the message went well to the local pubic. Mr. A.K.Sivakumar, C.Harikumar, volunteer of WWF-India and Sri.Abraham Thomas of Peet Memorial Training College led the entire team and programmes. ii. Kochi Mr. Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director was the Chief Guest and Speaker at the World Environment Day programme organised on June 5th (forenoon) by Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi. The welcome address was given by Dr. Meenakumari, Director, CIFT. The talk was on the line of the theme of WED 2010 especially highlighting the environmental issues in Kerala. The programme was attended by about 200 staff of CIFT including scientific, technical, non-technical personnel. Mr. Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director was the Keynote Speaker for the World Environment Day programme organised on June 5th (afternoon) by

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi. The function was inaugurated by Dr. Ramachandran Thekkedath, Vice-Chancellor of CUSAT. Mr. Renjan delivered a talk on ‘Ecological Footprint and the Kerala Scenario’. The other speakers included Dr.D.D. Namboodiri, Dean (retd), College of Fisheries, Panangad and Dr. Ram Mohan, Professor, Dept of Atmospheric Sciences of CUSAT. The programme was attended by about 100 people including faculty, students and non-teaching staff. The programme was very unique in that it was the first time that CUSAT was commemorating WED. iii. Thiruvananthapuram The Friday forum for the month of June 2010 was special as it was coinciding with the World Environment Day. This year being the international year of Biodiversity also made this month’s Friday forum even remarkable. The programme had been attended by a total of 132 school students from different schools of Thiruvananthapuram. This time there had been a presentation on World Environment Day 2010 based on its importance and theme and was done by Ms.Neha Miriam Kurian, intern of WWF-India from NUALS, Ernakulam. A quiz on Biodiversity also was conducted during the occasion and was mastered by Mr.Jack Shaji Thomas, another intern from School of Planning and Artchitecture, Vijayawada which was very informative and interactive. The resource material kit provided by Zoo Outreach Organization, Coimbatore also were distributed to school students. World Environment Day programme at Mar Gregorious English Medium School, Nemom Mr.A.K.Sivakumar, Education Officer participated in the World Environment Day programme at Mar Gregorious English Medium School, Nemom, Thiruvananthapuram along with Dr.T.R.Manoharan, Head, Forests & Biodiversity, WWF-India, New Delhi. He spoke to the students about the observation of World Environment Day not only on 5th of June but on all other days by adopting a green lifestyle. A set of posters on Biodiversity of Kerala and a poster on WED 2010 were gifted to the school. Both Dr.Manoharan and Sivakumar planted mango trees in the school premises as part of the day observation.

The State Director and Education Officer attended the World Environment Day celebrations organized by Adhwana at YMCA on 3rd July and the Education Officer led a session also.

Multi media presentation for affiliated Nature Clubs Ms. Neha Miriam Kurian, an intern from National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Ernakulam prepared a multimedia presentation on the WED 2010 and the same was distributed to the affiliated nature clubs through the District Co-ordinators. They were directed to have the presentation on or any nearest date of June 5th. ‘Wheels for Change’ – Bike Rally Campaign Mr. Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director was the Keynote Speaker in the Valedictory Function of the ‘Wheel for Change’ – Bike Rally Campaign organised by the Youth of Church of South India in Thiruvananthapuram. In the function organised on June 6th at 6.30pm at Gandhi Park Sri. Binoy Viswam, Hon’ble Minister for Forests and Housing was the Chief Guest. Mr. Renjan delivered a talk on the significance of WED 2010 and 2010 being the International Year of Biodiversity. The function was attended by the rally members, church members, priests and general public. iv. Thrissur For the WED 2010 programme organised at Thrissur on 5th June, the district level inauguration by Sri. Raveendranath, MLA of Kodakara was organised at Assumption H.S.S Varandarapilly. This was followed by a talk on ‘Biodiversity of Kerala’ delivered by Jain J. Therattil, District Co-ordinator, Thrissur. This was followed by an activity session titled ‘Tiger Play’ (on the spot drama). As part of the Save Our Tigers Campaign, a signature campaign in support of the Tiger was also organised. At Gurukulam Public School, Thrissur, a seminar and drawing & elocution competitions were also organised for the students. Both the programmes were attended by the full strength of students of the schools totaling to about 2400.

2.5.4 Ozone Day 2010 Like in the past years, the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was organized this year as a joint venture of WWF-India Kerala State Office and the Kerala State Pollution Control Board in Thrissur. The competitions were organized on the 15th of September and the one day awareness programme on 17th at Jawahar Balbhavan, Thrissur. In the painting, poster design and quiz competitions about 60 students attended and the workshop was attended by about 170 students from various educations institutions in the district.

2.5.5 World Tourism Day 2010 The Kerala State Office joined hands with the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala to observe the World Tourism Day on 27th September on the theme ‘Tourism and Biodiversity’. The painting and poster design competitions for school and college students were orgainsed earlier at Kattappana and Thodupuzha. The photography competition for general public was also announced. The closing function was organized at Kumily on 27th September.

2.5.6 Salim Ali Day 2010 A single day awareness programme was conducted at Museum Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram on 12th November 2010 in connection with Dr.Salim Ali Day in association with Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) and Directorate of Museum and Zoos. Around 250 students from 6 schools and 3 colleges participated in the programme that was inaugurated by Dr.R.V.Varma, Chairman of Kerala State Biodiversity Board. Sri.Raju, Reaseach Associate of the project “On the trail of Salim Ali” by Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department led the technical session. A photography contest exclusively on ‘Birds of Kerala’ was conducted in connection with Dr. Salim Ali Day and about 265 entries were received. Sri.T.Anilkumar of Cochin, Sandeep Das of Thrissur and Vijesh Vallikkunnu bagged 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. Sri.Biju.P.B of Thiruvananthapuram and Ashok.P.S of Palakkad won consolation prizes too. KLSO prepared a multimedia CD on ‘Birds of Kerala - Quiz and PowerPoint presentation’ and dispatched to the network for organizing various local level programmes as part of commemorating Salim Ali Day.

2.5.7 World Wetlands Day 2011

Kerala State Office observed World Wetlands Day 2011 at City HSS, Kannur from 31st January to 2nd February 2011 with a series of events. On 31st January 60 students from 4 schools were taken for a wetland field trip to Mundery Kadavu of Kattampally wetlands, one of the most important wetland of the district where lacks of water birds including migratory anchors. On 1st February different competitions were conducted for all categories of school children. On 2nd February, single day awareness programme on Wetlands Conservation was held

at the same school and was inaugurated by Smt.M.C.Sreeja, Municipal Chairperson of Kannur. Education Officer led a multimedia presentation at Bharathiya Vidyabhavan, Parassala, Thiruvananthapuram on 8th March as part of their Wetland Day Observation of the year. The presentation was focused on “Wetlands and related issues” and was attended by 140 school students. Kerala State Office prepared a CD ROM on World Wetlands Day 2011 and sent to all active nature clubs affiliated to WWF-India. They were directed to conduct an awareness session with the help of the same and to send reports to Kerala State Office. This helped the State Office to extend its reach and activities into a large number of institutions simultaneously.

2.5.8 World Forestry Day 2011 i. At DCSMAT, Vagamon, Idukki on 20th & 21st March 2011 - World Forestry Day 2011 was observed at DCSMAT with diverse programmes. Thirty selected students were taken for a single day forest visit to the shola forests and grasslands of Vagamon on 20th March 2011. The single day awareness programme held at the Seminar Hall of DCSMAT was inaugurated by Brig M.C. Ashok Kumar, Director & Head of Operations of DCSMAT. A set of three posters on forest ecosystem were published in this connection and this was released by Major (retd) V.K.Premnathan. The technical sessions on “Forests of Kerala” and “International Year of Forests and Significance of Forests” were led by Dr.Jomy Augustin, Head of the Dept. of Botany, St. Thomas College, Pala and Dr.T.K.Kunhamu, Associate Professor in Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur respectively. In the afternoon, Mr. A.K.Sivakumar mastered a Quiz on Forests. On the subject of ‘Forests of Kerala’, an amateur nature photography competition also was conducted. ii. At Chinmaya College of Arts and Science for Women, Kannur on 21st March 2011 - World Forestry Day 2011 at Kannur was inaugurated by Prof.Symala Ravindran, Principal of the college and technical sessions were led by Sri.T.P.Padmanabhan, NGC Convener of the District and Mr.M.P.Prabhakara, Forest Range Officer. Around 150 students attended the programme. An Inter Collegiate Quiz Competition on the theme of ‘Forest Ecosystem’ was also held.

2.5.9 World Water Day 2011 World Water Day 2011 was observed at Thrissur with single day awareness programme on 22nd March 2011. Around 160 students from Teacher Training Institutes and other educational institutions attended. The programme was led by Sri.Jain J. Therattil, District Coordinator of WWF-India Nature Clubs.

2.6 Wild Wisdom 2010

The regional level rounds for Kerala of the national Wild Wisdom Quiz Competition in connection with Wildlife week was held on 21st September 2010 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. The southern regional quiz was held at Museum Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram and Sri. Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director of WWF-India, Kerala State Office mastered the quiz. The central regional quiz was held at Chavara Cultural Center, Ernakulam and was mastered by Sri.Jain J. Therattil of St. Aloysius College, Thrissur. The northern regional quiz was held at Regional Science Center and Planetarium, Kozhikode and was mastered by A.K.Sivakumar, Education Officer of WWF-India, Kerala State Office. The State level final round was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram at the Auditorium of the Directorate of Museum and Zoos on 6th October. The quiz was mastered by Prof. Kunhikrishnan, Department of Zoology, University College.

2.7 NEAC 2010-11

National Environment Awareness Campaign in association with COME Ministries, CED, Thiruvananthapuram and supported by MoEF was held on 27th and 30th March 2011 at Karimadom Colony, a slum of Thiruvananthapuram City. The programme was on biodiversity conservation with focus on medicinal plants. Awareness programme included technical sessions and magic show. Medicinal plant saplings were distributed to the inmates of the slum and a garden also was setup as part of the action programme.

III. POLICY & ADVOCACY INTERVENTIONS 3.1. Proposed Athirappilly HEP

The proposed Athirappilly Hydro Electric Project (HEP) of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has been in discussions since the last many years. The State Government is very much pushing forth the project inspite of many

discussions and deliberations clearly stating that it does much more damage than the benefit it can give. The Minister of State for Environment and Forests Sri Jairam Ramesh has very much opposed the project and denied clearance inspite of various political and administrative pressures from various sides. In this regard, a letter was drafted and sent to him appreciating his strong stand for conservation in this particular case and also offering full support of WWF in this case.

3.2. Introduction of GM Crops in India (BT Brinjal) WWF-India Kerala State Office was proactive in the Kerala Government led agitations against introducing BT Brinjal in India in association with other environmental NGOs, agencies, institutions and individuals. 3.3. CRZ Notification

WWF-India Kerala State Office was proactive in the discussions and deliberations as part of the revamping of the CRZ Notification by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. Regular discussions and meeting were held in consultation with Kerala Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF), South Indian Fishermen Federation Societies (SIFFS) and other such organizations.

3.4. Tourism development in Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal is an ecologically fragile island in the Vembanad lake. Some years back it was proposed to lease out the land to Oberoi Group of Hotels to put up a hotel and resort. Because of the stiff opposition from the environmentalists, this was later on dropped. Recently the Kerala Government has initiated steps to develop the area and has assigned the work to KITCO. Kottayam Nature Society opposed the proposal by moving the Supreme Court and the SC ordered the State Government to hear the petitioners. On hearing, it was decided to carry out a EIA and implement the project based on the guidelines proposed by the EIA. But now again the State Government has started various construction and reclamation activities. WWF was requested by local conservation groups to intervene in the issue and after much discussions and deliberations, a letter has been sent to Mr. Thomas Isaac, Finance Minister in a strong voice opposing the present move. In this regard, to see and understand the real situation in the island as of now, the State Director visited the island on July 24th and had an

appraisal of the status. Photo documentation of the present status was also carried out.

3.5. Chakkankandam pollution issue Chakkankandam is a wetland near Guruvayur. A major canal from Guruvayur Town drains into this wetland. The problem now is that Guruvayur Town is bustling with religious tourism. Many new hotels and tourist homes have come up to provide accommodation for the devotees who are coming from far off places. Majority of these new hotels and tourist homes drain their sewage water into the canal, especially during night time. These highly toxic waste water flows through the canal collecting more waste and debris and finally drains into the Chakkankandam wetland. The whole length of this canal and the area surrounding Chakkankandam wetland is plagued with foul smell and severe pollution of drinking water sources. Majority of the open wells have been polluted from this sewage. Other stakeholders depending on the wetland, mainly fishermen and coir making units, also face various threats to their livelihoods. A photography exhibition and open forum was conducted on 3rd March at the Press Club Hall in this regard. The State Director attended the meeting and spoke on the occasion.

3.6. Methrankayal reclamation issue Methrankayal is a 420ha paddy field reclaimed from the Vembanad Lake, one of the biggest Ramsar Site in India. The Industries Department is moving a proposal through a private agency to convert it into a 17 hole golf course and resort. The Kerala State Office has been raising their opposition against this from the start itself. A meeting to discuss on the Methrankayal issue was convened at Kottayam on 25th September by Thanal and Kuttanad Vikasana Samithy.

3.7. Draft Regulatory Framework on Wetlands Conservation Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has come up with the draft policy and has asked the inputs from the various sections of the society. This policy is very significant with regard to Kerala State because of the vast water related resources that the State has and its existing issues. In this regard, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and the Environment had called for a meeting on 9th June and WWF also actively participated in the same by giving our inputs.

3.8. Kerala Inland Fishery Bill The Kerala Government has come up with the draft of the Kerala Inland Fishery Bill. This is very much being discussed and debated and the fishermen community is very much against it. In this regard, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) Regional Centre Alappuzha had organised a discussion on the same on 8th June, 2010. We as an organization had gone through the draft of the bill and given our suggestions and recommendations.

IV. OTHERS 4.1 Save Our Tigers

The field level activities of the national campaign on ‘Save Our Tiger’ organized by WWF-India and supported by Aircel was organised on 15th and 16th of May, 2010 at Periyar Tiger Reserve with the Volunteer Engagement and Tourist Sensitisation Programme. The programme was inaugurated in the morning of 15th by Smt. Zia Sakkeer, Panchayat President, Kumily Grama Panchayat with the launch of the Signature Campaign in support of Tiger Conservation amidst the volunteers of the campaign and general tourists visiting the reserve from various parts of the world. The two days activities in Periyar comprise of various activities like the Signature Campaign – Sign in support for tiger conservation, where every signatory is given a Tiger Conservation Card and stickers as a token of his signature. The programme organized at the Boat Landing received overwhelming response with large crowds turning out to put their signatures. A brochure on Tiger Facts was also distributed to the people in which general information on the tiger, the threats faced by them and why they should be conserved was explained in very simple language. To attract the public to read and make use of the brochure, one side of it contained five simple tiger related questions. If they answered atleast 3 questions right, they were given prizes. Other stickers and posters were also given to the public as part of the sensitization drive. In the evening, a documentary titled ‘India – Kingdom of the Tiger’ was screened in the public venue in the Panchayat Bus Stand. On the second day, in the afternoon as a finale to the two days programme, a cleanup drive was carried out by the volunteers from the Boat Landing to the Check Post. More than a cleanup drive, it was a tourist sensitization event to make them aware about the dangers of littering, careless waste and plastic disposal.

4.2 Wildlife Week & CMS Vatavaran Film Festival CMS Vatavaran has chosen Thiruvananthapuram as one of the venues this year for the Travelling Environment and Wildlife Film Festival from Oct 2nd to 4th. With the good experience across the country with other WWF offices in other states, for Thiruvananthapuram also WWF-India Kerala State Office was specially requested to be the Organising Partner. In this regard, all possible help and support were offered in planning, coordinating and implementing the various events as part of the programme which included Painting Competition, Film Screenings, Teachers Training Workshop, Open Forum, Animation Workshop for Children, Eco Tour, Rally etc.

4.3 Bird Race 2010

WWF-India, Kerala State Office successfully conducted HSBC Kerala Bird Race for the third time in Thiruvananthapuram on 14th November, 2010. The Bird Race was attended by 65 bird watchers and the gathering at Hotel Pankaj in the evening was attended by 85 people. About 139 species of birds were reported from 7 sites in and around Thiruvananthapuram. Sri. Binoy Viswom, Hon. Minister for Forests and Housing was the chief guest in the evening function.

4.4 Seminar with TKMIM on Current Trends & Challenges in Envt Mngt This was organized jointly by WWF-India and TKM Institute of Management for students in management programmes at the TKMIM Campus at Kollam on 4th of Dec, 2010. About 120 students and their faculty participated.

4.5 Indian Biodiversity Congress

WWF-India, Kerala State Office was in the forefront of organizing the First Indian Biodiversity Congress held from 27th to 31st December 2010 at Thiruvananthapuram. WWF-India put up a stall with panel exhibits of 24 endangered species of India titled ‘Dark Future’ and 12 panel boards on ‘Biodiversity of Kerala’. Cut outs of endangered species like Asian Elephant, Lion tailed Macaque and Royal Bengal Tiger also were exhibited. Sale of posters and other products were also arranged. A side event was organized on ‘Forest Certification and Biodiversity Conservation’.

4.6 TRAFFIC Workshop on Strengthening Wildlife Law Enforcement in India The two day State level workshop on ‘Strengthening Wildlife Law Enforcement in India’ being organised by TRAFFIC – India (Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce), Wildlife Institute of India - Dehradun, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Govt. of UK and Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department was conducted in Kochi at Hotel Avenue Regent on the 21st and 22nd of March, 2011. The workshop had a very good participation of about 40 selected officers from various enforcement agencies including the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department, Kerala Police, Railway Protection Force, Marine Enforcement and Vigilance and the Customs. Mr. Samir Sinha IFS, Head, TRAFFIC-India, Dr.S.P.Goyal from Wildlife Institute of India and Mr. Khalid Pasha, TRAFFIC-India were the resource persons.

4.7 Earth Hour 2011

Earth Hour observance in Thiruvananthapuram on March 26th received overwhelming response from all walks of life. The events started with the ‘Walk for Mother Earth’ in the Museum and Zoo Compound involving the early morning walkers including ministers, bureaucrats, high ranking officers and such. For the evening Earth Hour event at Gandhi Park Smt. K. Chandrika, Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation was the Chief Guest. There was a treat of instrumental music by the group ‘Mannthalam’ from Thrissur. J.P.Ajit from Trivandrum Gems really enthralled the crowd with his magic on ‘Energy conservation’. Felicitations were given by Dr.R.V.G.Menon (KSSP), Shri. Dhareshan Unnithan (EMC), Shri Sreekantan Nair (Dept of Envt and Climate Change, GoK), Ms. Bindhu (NIMS). Individuals, institutions, residents associations, corporates and other various such establishments supported Earth Hour 2011 by ‘Switching Off’.

4.8 Reporting of wildlife mortality to TRAFFIC

TRAFFIC-India is working in association with WWF-India and they keep track of the illegal trade and mortality of wildlife. In this regard, as per earlier request, Kerala State Office has been regularly giving the updated information of any wildlife mortality in the State. For the year of 2010 – 11, six reports were submitted to TRAFFIC on wildlife mortality of considerably high conservation value species.

4.9 Association with NIMS in their greening project ‘NIMS Harithakam’

NIMS Medicity and NIMS Heart Foundation, as part of their CSR programme, has launched several conservation programmes for this year including a massive tree planting drive named ‘NIMS Harithakam’. NIMS has requested WWF-India Kerala State Office for necessary technical support and in this regard an official association has been established in the various ongoing and planned programmes.

4.10 Financial support to Vava Suresh (Snake Rescuer)

Suresh or as he is popularly called ‘Vava Suresh’ is a man of conservation not through words but by actions. He translates his passion for conservation by rescuing snakes mainly in cities where these dangerous and poisonous reptiles find their way out of their natural habitats and take refuge in home gardens and inside houses. Earlier when city dwellers used to site such unfriendly guests, a mob would gather and they would somehow kill the snake. But now immediately the call goes out to Vava and in a matter of minutes, he will arrive at the scene on his scooter, very carefully but effortlessly rescues the snakes and takes it home which he later releases in deep forest areas with the help of the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department. He has rescued many such snakes including vipers, cobras and king cobras. In a recent rescue operation, he was accidentally bitten by a cobra and he had to be admitted in the hospital for many days and ultimately he had to sacrifice part of his middle finger of the left hand. The State Director visited Mr. Suresh in the hospital and on approval by Mr. Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO offered financial support for meeting the immediate medical expenses.

V. PUBLICATIONS 5.1 Posters on Birds & Butterflies

WWF-India, Kerala State Office prepared and published two posters on common birds and butterflies of Kerala, each describing 12 species with text and images. This has been brought out as part of enhancing Nature Club service and this will be included along with the Nature Club Renewal/ Registration Kit for all the members.

5.2 Bimonthly newsletter ‘Mruthika’

Mruthika – the bimonthly newsletter of Kerala State Office was regularly brought last year covering the 12 months projects, programmes and activities in six issues Mar – Apr 2010, May – Jun 2010, July – Aug 2010, Sept – Oct 2010, Nov – Dec 2010 and Jan – Feb 2011.

5.3 Publication – India’s Forests and the Judiciary/ Conserving Protected Areas and Wildlife WWF-India has brought out two publications titled ‘India’s Forests and the Judiciary – the Godavarman Story’ and ‘Conserving Protected Areas and Wildlife – A Judicial Journey’. This has been brought out especially for use by lawyers who are interested in environmental, forests and wildlife cases. Copies of these publications have been given to relevant persons and the feedback shows high appreciation for the same.

5.4 Articles in other publications

‘Mitigating Climate Change – Not for the developed nations, but for ourselves and our future generations’ - Kerala Tourism, April 2010 ‘Monsoon – boon or bane’ – Kerala Tourism, July 2010 ‘Kerala really stands out’ - Kerala Tourism March 2011

VI. WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS ATTENDED/ ASSOCIATED 6.1 Galileo Little Scientist Programme

The state level training programme for children was organised by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Mr. Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director was invited to deliver a talk on ‘Biodiversity Education through Nature Activities’ on May 19th at Dept of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Karyavattom Campus.

6.2 Class at PRS Hospital as part of Free Children’s Clinic Mr. A.K.Sivakumar, Education Officer had an interactive session on ‘Health and Environmental Concerns’ at PRS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram on 25th May 2010 as part of the Free Children’s Clinic. The doctors, nursing students and

many children attended the session. The daily tips to be observed to reduce the environmental problems as well as health problems were discussed in this session.

6.3 Classes for Government Officers at Institute of Management in Government State Director took class on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Government Officers on 7th June, 2010 State Director took class on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Government Officers on 4th of January 2011. State Director took class on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Panchayat Secretaries on 24th of January 2011.

6.4 Inauguration of Bhoomithra Club at Shanthigiri Siddha Medical College

Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director was the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the Bhoomithra Club on July 1st at Shanthigiri Ayurveda Medical College. He delivered a talk on ‘Our Planet and Our Ecological Footprint’. About 120 students and faculty members attended the programme.

6.5 MDG Workshop organized by UNICEF & KWA

Attended MDG 7 meeting on 12th July jointly organised by CCDU under Kerala Water Authority and UNICEF at Mascot Hotel, Thiruvananthapuram

6.6 AGM of Kerala Social Service Forum

Kerala Social Service Forum is a forum of about 20 NGOs working in Kerala under the Catholic Church. They have selected ‘Biodiversity’ as the main theme for 2010 – 2011 in the background of the UN declaration of 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. The State Director was invited as the Key Speaker in the Annual General Body Meeting organised at Kottayam on July 30th. The programme was attended by Bishops, Priests, NGO Directors and other staff of KSSF. It has been agreed that KSSF and WWF-India will cooperate wherever possible in its common goal towards nature conservation and environment protection.

6.7 Classes for FD Personnel The State Director was invited to deliver a lecture as part of the Training Programme for Forest Rangers organised by Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department at the Social Forestry Complex Office. A talk on ‘Development and its Environmental Impacts’ was delivered on July 27th and there was very good interaction with the participants. The State Director led a session on ‘How to improve Participatory Forest Management’ at the training programme organized on 20th December by the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department for EDC/ VSS Members of Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.

6.8 Photography Competition ‘Athijeevanam’ organized by ATREE Athijeevanam is a photography competition organized by ATREE Alappuzha Office on the life in Vembanad. In this regard, 8 photo entries were sent from WWF-India Kerala State Office. The entries were displayed in the photography exhibition organized at Alappuzha jointly by ATREE and Press Club.

6.9 International Climate Congress at Shanthigiri Ashram

Shanthigiri Ashram organized an International Climate Congress from 9th – 11th Sept, 2010. The State Director attended the conference as a special invitee and delivered a talk on ‘Reducing Ecological Footprint to mitigate Climate Change – the Kerala Scenario’ using a multimedia presentation.

6.10 International Conference on Climate Change organized by Cochin University

Attended the International Conference on Climate Change and the Environment organized by Cochin University in Kochi from 24 – 26th Oct, 2010. WWF is also an organizing partner.

6.11 Workshop on GW & CC organized by Christ University

Delivered invited lecture on ‘Reducing Ecological Footprint to mitigate global warming and climate change’ at the National Seminar organized by Christ University in Thiruvananthapuram on 9th October, 2010.

6.12 Quiz on Wildlife and Environment organized by Kottayam Round Table Kottayam Round Table over the last twenty years has been regularly conducting a ‘Quiz Programme on Wildlife and Environment’. This year was the 20th anniversary and the State Director was invited as a guest in the programme organized on 18th Nov at Kottayam. Mr. George, Chairman sponsored a laptop as prize to the winners.

6.13 KFD Modernisation Workshop

A workshop on ‘Modernisation of Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department’ was conductd on 20th Nov. State Director attended on behalf of WWF-India and participated in the discussions and deliberations. Some of the other recommendations on behalf of WWF-India were submitted in written.

6.14 Children’s Environment Congress 2010 organised by KSBB State Director and Education Officer was instrumental in leading programmes, mainly ‘Quiz on ‘Biodiversity is Life’ for school students, as part of the Children’s Environment Congress organized by Kerala State Biodiversity Board in Thiruvananthapuram on 29th Nov.

6.15 Meeting on Environmental Democracy organized by RRC

SD attended the one day discussion workshop organized on ‘Environmental Governance’ by River Research Centre at Ernakulam on 22nd Jan, 2011.

6.16 Talk on Forest Canopy organized by ATREE

The State Director attended the lecture organized by ATREE at the Conference Hall, Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department Headquarters on Forest Canopy on 31st Jan, 2011. The keynote address on ‘Tree Canopies and Their Human Connections - inspiring new stakeholders in forest conservation’ was by Dr. Margaret Lowman, Director, Nature Research Center, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Professor, North Carolina State University.

6.17 Students Wetlands Congress organized by ATREE

The State Director was the Chief Guest and Judge for Competitions in the very relevant Students Wetlands Congress organized by ATREE in Alappuzha on 21st Feb, 2011.

About 150 students from the various schools who are part of the Jalapadam programme of ATREE attended the programme. About 9 teams presented their studies. The State Director gave away the prizes to the winners.

6.18 Addressing Climate Change through Arts

WWF-India, Kerala State Office was organizing partner with Association of British Scholars, British Council, Kerala Agricultural University, Museums and Zoos and other associates in organizing the 3 day multi event programme titled ‘Addressing Climate Change through Art’. The 3 days events included painting competition, media workshops etc mainly targeting school and college students.

6.19 Other classes/ sessions delivered

Talk at Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET) on ‘Environmental Impacts’ on 8th June, 2010. Sensitization talk for Eco Club members of TCS, Infopark, Ernakulam on 12th August 2010. As part of the birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi, WWF-India Kerala State Office was specially invited to be part of the celebration programmes by putting up an awareness and exhibition stall in the Ashram at Vallikavu, Kayamkulam from 26th to 28th September. Sri. Harish Kumar, Office Attendant and two volunteers coordinated the exhibition. About 2 lakh devotees visited the Ashram in the three days celebration period. The Directorate of Museum and Zoos organized a One day Seminar on Biodiversity Conservation for post graduate students in Thiruvananthapuram on 24th Nov. WWF also associated by providing relevant resource materials in the form of posters for the programme. Pampa Parirakshana Samithy organized a ‘One day Seminar on Biodiversity of Pampa and formulation of Action Plan’ on 25th Nov. Prof. Abraham Thomas attended the workshop on behalf of WWF-India. A three workshop was organized in Thiruvananthapuram from Dec 14 - 16 by Environment Management Agency Kerala on ‘Climate Change and its various implications in Kerala’. The State Director attended the workshop and contributed to the proceedings.

A one day workshop on ‘Human Wildlife Conflict and Application of Geoinformation Technology for its Assessment and Analysis’ was organized in Thiruvananthapuram on Dec 20th by Department of Zoology, University of Kerala. Mr. Sivakumar, Education Officer and interns attended the workshop. OISCA South India Chapter celebrated their Silver Jubilee with a full day programme at Kanakakunnu on Dec 31st.. The State Director and Education Officer attended the programme. The Vriksha Bandhu award was also given to Shri. Binoy Viswam, Hon’ble Minister for Forests and Housing, Government of Kerala. South Western Ghats Landscape Programme Draft Project Report on ‘Human Elephant Conflict’ has been submitted to the CCF (Biodiversity Cell) for discussion in the upcoming Southern State Forest Minister’s Meeting. SD attended the one day seminar organized on ‘Free Trade Agreement and its Implications’ at Hotel Chaithram on 17th Jan, 2011. Education Officer was invited to lead a technical session on ‘Biodiversity Conservation Scenario of the State’ at Govt. College of Teacher Education, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram on 14th March as part of their Annual State level Refresher Programme for School Teachers. The session was attended by 40 selected teachers from various schools of the State. The Management Programme (MBA) conducted by TKM Institute of Management (TIM) has of lately added Environment Management as one of the papers. As part of this, the State Director was invited as a Guest Faculty to handle two sessions. The sessions provided a great platform of experience sharing and interaction with the students.

VII. INTERNSHIP

Eight students from various institutes from inside and outside Kerala did their one - three month internship in WWF-India Kerala State Office. The interns were engaged in the various ongoing projects and programmes of the State Office and also given the task of preparing relevant resource materials for the upcoming environment education programmes of the State Office. Some of the interns did stand alone mini projects.

7.1 Mr. Jack Shaji Thomas He is a student of Planning and Architecture from Hyderabad. He did his one month internship with us. During his internship period, the major tasks completed by Jack are (a) Prepare and Master a Quiz for school students on ‘World Environment Day’ & ‘International Year of Biodiversity’ on the theme of ‘Many species, One plant, One future’. (b) Prepare PowerPoint presentation for World Ocean Day on June 8th at school level on the theme ‘Our Oceans’ (c) He has also completed a small project assignment titled ‘An Assessment of the Awareness Level of General Public on the issue of Global Warming, Climate Change and its Disastrous Consequence’. As part of this assessment, he has done very good work covering preparation of survey questionnaire, secondary data collection, primary data collection through sampling and interviews, data analysis, interpretation and report preparation with conclusions, suggestions and future recommendations.

7.2 Ms. Neha Miriam Kurian

She is a 1st year student of BA LLB (Hons), National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi. During her internship period from 12th May to 4th June, 2010, the major tasks completed by Ms. Neha are (a) Coordinate and participate in the two day Volunteer Engagement and Tourist Sensitization event as part of the ‘Save Our Tigers (SOT) Campaign in Periyar Tiger Reserve (b) Prepare resource material for World Environment Day 2010 (c) Communication support for the two day workshop on Forest Certification organised in Kozhikode on 27th and 28th of May, 2010 by Global Forest and Trade Network – India.

7.3 Ms. Nichu Willington

She is a 1st year student of BA LLB (Hons), National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi. During her internship period from 13th May to 1st June, 2010, the major tasks completed by Ms. Nichu are (a) Coordinate and participate in the two day Volunteer Engagement and Tourist Sensitization event as part of the ‘Save Our Tigers (SOT) Campaign in Periyar Tiger Reserve (b) Prepare resource material for International Day for Biodiversity (IDB) – As part of commemorating IDB 2010, Ms. Nichu prepared a multimedia presentation on the theme ‘Biodiversity for Development and Poverty Alleviation’ which was used through the state wide network of WWF for organizing various environment education and awareness programmes (c) Communication support for the two day workshop on Forest Certification organized in Kozhikode on 27th and 28th of May, 2010 by Global Forest and Trade Network – India.

7.4 Ms. Santhini Achamma Koshy She is a second year student of M.A English and Comparative Literature of Pondicherry University. She did her one month internship with us. During her internship period, the major tasks completed by Ms. Santhini are (a) Prepare Quiz for school students on ‘International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction’ on Oct 13th (b) Prepare PowerPoint presentation for World Tourism Day on Sept 27th at school level on the theme ‘Tourism – Blessing or Curse?’ (c) She has also completed a small project assignment titled ‘An Assessment of the Effective Functioning of Pollution Under Control (PUC) Stations – case study in Thiruvananthapuram’. As part of this assessment, she has done very good work covering preparation of survey questionnaire, secondary data collection, primary data collection through sampling and interviews, data analysis, interpretation and report preparation with conclusions, suggestions and future recommendations.

7.5 Ms. Krishna Santhosh

She is 1st year student of B.A. LL.B (Hons), National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi and she underwent her internship for a period of four weeks from 6th to 31st of December, 2010. During her internship period, the major tasks completed by Ms. Krishna are (a) To prepare the content for the exhibition panels on the theme of ‘Endangered species of India’ as part of the WWF-India stall put up in the First Indian Biodiversity Congress held at Thiruvananthapuram in December, 2010. Her work included collection of relevant information and pictures for preparing the exhibition panel boards (b) Served as the volunteer in manning the WWF-India stall during the Biodiversity Expo in connection with the First Indian Biodiversity Congress 2010 (c) Attended seminars and workshops on behalf of WWF-India, Kerala State Office.

7.6 Mr. Vishnu Devaraj J.

He is a 1st year student of B.A. LL.B (Hons), National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi and he underwent his internship for a period of four weeks from 6th to 31st of December, 2010. During his internship period, the major tasks completed by Mr. Vishnu are (a) Preparing the content for the environment education information panel boards proposed for Shangumugham Beach in Thiruvananthapuram. His work included collecting information and related pictures on various relevant environmental themes which can be conveyed to the visitors (b) Preparing a sticker series as part of our environment education programme for children on mammals, birds, fishes and reptiles (c) Served as the volunteer in manning the WWF-India stall during the Biodiversity Expo in connection with the First Indian Biodiversity Congress 2010.

7.7 Ms. Arabhi A. She is a 1st year student of B.A. LL.B (Hons), National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi and she underwent her internship for a period of three weeks from 6th to 31st of December, 2010. During her internship period, the major tasks completed by Ms. Arabhi are (a) Prepare resource material for the International Mountain Day 2010 – In commemorating this day as part of our environment education programmes, Ms. Arabhi prepared a multimedia presentation on the theme ‘Mountain Ecosystem’ (b) Prepare resource material for ‘2011 being International Year of Forests’ – Ms. Arabhi prepared a multimedia presentation on the theme ‘Forest Ecosystem’ covering its various aspects like distribution, values, services and functions (c) Attended seminars and workshops on behalf of WWF-India, Kerala State Office

7.8 Ms. Bismi Parvin

She is a 1st year student of B.A. LL.B (Hons), National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi and she underwent her internship for a period of three weeks from 6th to 31st of December, 2010. During her internship period, the major tasks completed by Ms. Bismi are (a) Preparation of a very dynamic, interactive and field-oriented environment education package by conducting Nature Education Camp for school students during summer vacation on various themes covering forests, wetlands etc (b) Preparation of resource material for World Wetlands Day (WWD) 2011 – Ms. Bismi prepared a multimedia presentation on ‘Wetland Ecosystem’ which will be used through the state wide network of WWF-India for conducting awareness programmes as part of WWD 2011 on 2nd of February (c) Attended seminars and workshops on behalf of WWF-India, Kerala State Office.

VIII. SALES

Maximum effort was taken to promote sale of WWF-India products in Kerala with the WWF-India Catalogue 2010. The catalogues were distributed to the prospective customers and necessary follow-up done through phone and email.

8.1 Seasonal For seasonal products, the sales was considerably less because we had lost our customer base because of the two year gap and also this year we did not have a dedicated work force (Sales Officer). Within our limitations, we did promote sales and did the necessary liaison work between the Secretariat and the customers. But once we launch the mainline sales next year, we will be able to

considerably improve upon this if we start planning in advance and also recruit a Sales Officer.

8.2 Non-seasonal

Kerala has got good potential for promoting sale of non-seasonal products. In this regard, we have been receiving various queries mainly from the various divisions of the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department. We have been doing the necessary coordination and liaison work between the customers and the WWF-India Merchandising Division in Mumbai and Delhi. Since we are planning to start full fledged sale and we have not been having any major sales activity for the last two years, a stock clearance procedure was carried out for the Nature Gallery attached to the Kerala State Office. Some of the unsold products were damaged due to moisture, color fading etc. They have been disposed and necessary corrections made in the Stock Register.

IX. NETWORKING 9.1 Volunteers

WWF-India Kerala State Office has a very good network of volunteers developed over the past few years. They are associated with us in many of our field level activities and programmes. Majority of them are students or otherwise employed people. Few of them, who have been proactive, have been designated as District Co-ordinators and they help us to understand the local conservation needs and thereby organize relevant programmes and intervention measures. All of them have been doing this without expecting any material gains and their efforts are really to be appreciated. Possible support for various activities in the form of resource materials and persons are given by the State Office. We regularly try to keep in touch with them over phone and email.

9.2 Yahoo Mailing Group

With regard to the communication with our volunteer base and other network members, we had initiated a yahoo mailing group (moderated) few years back. The list of members in the group has been increasing over the years. We give updates of all other projects, programmes and activities on the yahoo mailing group and also put out our request for volunteer requirement for specific

activities. This yahoo mailing group has been of immense help in keeping in regular communication with our network members.

X. OFFICE ADMINISTRATION 10.1 State Advisory Board Meeting

The first State Advisory Board Meeting of WWFIndia Kerala State Office was held on 8th April at the Board Room of AVG Group of Companies, Kottayam. Mr. A.V.George, Chairman welcomed the three new members i.e. Mr. G. Vijayaraghavan, Director, SunTec, Dr.C.Bhaskaran, Professor, Department of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University and Sri Ravi DeeCee, CEO, DC Books. The other members Mr. Sunilkumar and Dr. B. Sreekumar were also present. Mr. G. Anand was absent. The State Director delivered a presentation on the ongoing initiatives and possible future programmes. This was followed by very dynamic discussion.

10.2 National Conference

WWF-India National Conference 2010 was held from 14th to 16th June at the Secretariat, New Delhi. State Directors, Administrative Heads, Programme Heads under the leadership of the Secretary General & CEO and Programme Director came together for three days to evaluate ongoing projects, programmes and activities and chart out the way ahead. There were very good discussions and deliberations. Mr. Renjan Mathew Varghese, State Director represented Kerala State Office in the meeting.

PHOTO GALLERY – PROJECTS

Carbon sequestration of Mangroves of Kannur District

Design and installation of Information Panels and Signages in Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

PHOTO GALLERY – PROJECTS

Responsible Wood Trade and Forest Certification project in Kerala

Survey and assessment of Marine Turtles along the Kerala Coast

PHOTO GALLERY – PROJECTS

Development of Sustainable Livelihood Security Index for Vembanad Lake

Meeting and interacting with the various stakeholders of the Lake

PHOTO GALLERY – ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

Earth Day 2010 World Migratory Bird Day 2010

World Environment Day 2010 Awareness programme on wetlands

Launch of Saturday Forum in Kozhikode

PHOTO GALLERY – ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

Farmer’s Day programme Nature Camp at Parambikulam TR

Field visit to Kottuly Wetlands Friday Forum – July 2010

Ozone Day 2010 at Thrissur World Tourism Day 2010 at Kumily

PHOTO GALLERY – ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

Nature Camp at Vazhachal Nature Camp at Silent Valley NP

Wild Wisdom Quiz 2010

Teacher’s Training Workshops at Malappuram and Kozhikode

PHOTO GALLERY – ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

Teacher’s Training Workshops at Kottayam and Pandalam

Teacher’s Training Workshops at Kattappana and Ottappalam

Friday Forum in Thiruvananthapuram

PHOTO GALLERY – ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION

Dr. Salim Ali Day 2010 commemoration and photo exhibition in Thiruvananthapuram

World Wetlands Day 2011 at Kannur

World Forestry Day 2011 at DCSMAT, Vagamon

PHOTO GALLERY – OTHER PROGS

‘Save Our Tigers’ signature campaign at Periyar TR

SOT - Distribution of posters and documentary screening

SOT - Cleanup drive and volunteer’s team

PHOTO GALLERY – OTHER PROGS

Wildlife Week with CMS Vatavaran - Inauguration and Film Festival

Wildlife Week - Ecotour and Painting competition

Wildlife Week - Teachers Training Workshop and Ecorun

PHOTO GALLERY – OTHER PROGS

Bird Race 2010

Bird Race 2010 – Valedictory function

Seminar at TKM Institute of Management

PHOTO GALLERY – OTHER PROGS

Indian Biodiversity Congress – Exhibition stall and Workshop on Forest Certification

Workshop on strengthening wildlife law enforcement by TRAFFIC

PHOTO GALLERY – OTHER PROGS

Earth Hour 2011 – Public campaign

Earth Hour 2011 – Campaign at Museum & Zoo Compound

Earth Hour 2011 – Lights Off function at Gandhi Park

PHOTO GALLERY – WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS

Talk at AGM of KSSF Photography competition - Athijeevanam

Kottayam Round Table Quiz Workshop on Environmental Democracy

Student’s Wetland Congress National Conference 2010

World Wide Fund for Nature – India(WWF-India)Kerala State OfficeVanchiyoor P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695035, Kerala State, IndiaPh: 91-471-2302265 Email: wwfklso@gmail.com Web: www.wwfindia.org

To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment andto build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

www.panda.org