The sole aim of visiting a forest should not be to see animals and birds. The forest itself is a sight to behold. It affords a deep insight into the interplay of land, water, flora, and fauna, all governed by the same laws of nature, the same energy. It should also lead to the realisation that we are one with all these elements.
These words by well-known ecologist and environmental activist Joncy Jacob aptly preface the illustrated book on forest wealth published by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) for children.
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Titled ‘Kaadaanu Kaavalaal’ (Forest is our Guardian), the book in Malayalam was released by Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan at the World Environment Day celebrations in Kottayam on Friday.
It seeks to unravel the wonders of the Western Ghats and its role in ensuring the sustainability of forests and social life.
The book takes the reader through the origin of forests and the importance of plants in controlling the greenhouse effect and causing rains.
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With the help of a few breathtaking photographs and illustrations, the authors, including A.V. Raghu, M. Amruth, T.V. Sajeev, K. Mohandas, and K.V. Mohammed Kunhi of the Kerala Forest Research Institute and B.S. Corrie, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, describe the various types of forests in Kerala including evergreen, semievergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous and shola, grasslands, Myristica swamps, mangrove forests, and sacred groves.
Protected forests
The three types of protected forests, namely reserve forest, sanctuaries, and national parks, are also explained.
A forest resource map of the State helps to put things in perspective.
The book provides basic information about the IUCN red data book and the various classifications of species based on conservation status. It ends with a story and a poem highlighting the need to conserve precious natural resources.
“The purpose of bringing out this book was to introduce children to the basic concepts of forest wealth, something that the school curriculum has not addressed so far. They have to learn that a forest is not only about trees and big animals, it also means grasslands, mangroves, and thousands of other organisms,” says Dr. Raghu.
KFRI brings out an illustrated book on forest wealth for children