Kerala - Kochi   

Mangalavanam sanctuary conducts nature study camps

— Photo: H. Vibhu

IN THE LAP OF NATURE: A bird-watching tower set up on a tree in the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary in Kochi.

KOCHI: Budding nature lovers are finding the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary (MBS) as a textbook to understand nature from close quarters. The Nature study camps offered by the MBS have become an instant hit among students in the district.

It was one month ago that the first camp was organised at the sanctuary. Since then, over 200 students and teachers have made use of the facilities and learned valuable lessons on conservation from the sanctuary.

The MBS, which is located in the heart of the city, was once known as the place of congregation for a large number of migratory birds. Of late, the number of birds that reach the sanctuary has dropped considerably. However, Mangalavanam still occupies a prominent place in the biodiversity map of the State with the large number of plants and mangrove vegetation present there.

“We try to impart the basics of nature conservation and environment protection at the camps,” says S.R. Radhakrishnan, range officer of the Forest Department. The Nature Study Centre, Kalady, is coordinating the research and related activities of the MBS.

A batch of 50 students and five teachers each are given the training at a time at the camp free of cost. The participants are also provided food during the session, he said.

Those interested in bird watching can make use of the facilities at the sanctuary including the bird watching tower, spotting scope and binoculars. The registration forms for the camps are available at the MBS. More details of the programme can be obtained over the following numbers: 0484-2468680 and 94972 39501.

The Forest Department is investing in the youngsters through the programme with the hope that at least a few participants would one day become the torchbearers of conservation and protectors of nature.

K.S. Sudhi

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