On the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), with the support of the SBI Foundation and in partnership with the Kerala Forest Department and St Joseph’s College, Pilathara, conducted an awareness and conservation event themed “Protect Wetlands for Our Future” on 26th July 2025.

The event commenced with a mangrove awareness session and a welcome address from Mr. Sajan John, Marine Specialist, WTI. Dr. Denny Philip, St. Joseph College, Pilathara, delivered the presidential address. The programme was inaugurated by the presidents of Narath, Muzhappilangad, and Cheruthazham Grama Panchayats, alongside Mr. Sanoop Krishnan, RFO, Thaiparamba Range.

Mangrove Day celebrations in St Joseph’s College, Pilathara, Kerala | Photo by Team WTI

This was followed by felicitation of the panchayat presidents, the District Coordinator of the Haritha Kerala Mission, and Mangrove Conservation Warrior Mr. Raveendran Thalassery, in recognition of their significant contributions. NSS Unit 11 of Payyanur College, Bhoomitra Sena and Botany Department of Sir Syed College, and Bhoomitra Sena of St. Joseph College were also honoured for their dedicated efforts in mangrove conservation and restoration. The programme concluded with a session by Dr. Sanal C. Viswam on the critical role of mangrove conservation in safeguarding wetlands for the future.

Felicitation of Mangrove warrior Raveendran Thalassery | Photo by Team WTI

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth and play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, water purification, flood control, and climate regulation. Mangrove forests, which flourish in the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical coastlines, are particularly important. They act as natural shields against cyclones, tsunamis, and storm surges—as seen during the 2004 and 2019 Indian Ocean tsunamis. In addition to protecting coastlines from erosion and saltwater intrusion, mangroves provide vital habitats for wildlife and resources like food, medicine, and livelihoods for coastal communities.

Despite their ecological and socio-economic importance, mangroves remain among the most threatened ecosystems due to unchecked development, pollution, and climate change. Recognising this, WTI launched the Kannur Kandal Project in 2006—Kerala’s first public- private partnership for mangrove conservation. With support from the World Land Trust and other independent donors, the project has protected and secured 37.16 acres of privately owned mangrove forests along the Perumba
River, and restored an additional 28+ acres by planting nearly 10 native mangrove species. In 2022, the project expanded through a partnership with the SBI Foundation, aligning with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030). This collaboration emphasises science-based restoration, mangrove nursery development, and community-driven conservation efforts.

The students participated in a series of activities including a Mangrove rally | Photo by Team WTI

Meanwhile, our team in the Sundarbans, West Bengal in partnership with the South 24 Parganas Forest Division, and Lokamata Rani Rashmoni Mission (LRRM), conducted an awareness program at Ambikanagar Haripriya High School (H.S.), in Maipith, Sundarbans, West Bengal. The event brought together a diverse group of community stakeholders, including school students, teachers, villagers, Tiger Scouts, Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), frontline forest staff, and Gram Panchayat Pradhans. Their collective presence reflected the community’s growing commitment to environmental stewardship.

A key highlight of the program was the formal declaration of written commitments by Gram Panchayat Pradhans from Deulbari-Debipur, Gurguria-Bhubeneswari, and Maipith-Baikunthapur. These Pradhans pledged to actively support human-tiger co-existence. Their commitment will include raising awareness in their communities, supporting conflict mitigation measures, encouraging alternative livelihoods, and working in collaboration with the Department of Forests, Govt. of West Bengal, WTI, and LRRM. This moment marked a significant step in encouraging local community-level leadership in conservation efforts.

Two Gram Panchayats passed a resolution committing to actively support human-tiger co-existence| Photo by Team WTI

The event commenced with a mangrove rally, plantation drives, and a variety of cultural performances by students and Tiger Scouts to spread messages about forest and wildlife conservation. The event was also attended by the School Inspector of South Circle, Kultali, whose presence underscored the importance of environmental education within the school curricula and fostering community engagement.

To mark the occasion, WTI also launched its newest report– CARE FOR THE COAST: Proceedings of the National Symposium on Coastal & Marine Habitat Restoration, held in Kochi in 2025. The publication compiles insights from experts, policymakers, and grassroots practitioners – offering practical guidance for restoring India’s coastal and marine ecosystems.