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n December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22nd

May as International Day for Biological

Diversity, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22nd

May 1992. Kerala

State Biodiversity Board has been celebrating May 22nd

as International Day for Biological Diversity

for generating awareness on biodiversity issues, for the past several years with the financial support

provided by National Biodiversity Authority, Chennai.

Biodiversity, the variety of life on earth, is vital to social and economic development, and is indeed

fundamental to our survival. The theme of the International Year of Biological Diversity 2015,

“Biodiversity for Sustainable development” rightly reflects the relevance of biodiversity for

sustainability. Kerala State Biodiversity Board organized the International Day for Biological diversity

celebration 2015 at Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram on 22nd May with support of NBA.

The programme was attended by more than 350 people including the BMC members, KSBB

members, District coordinators, Project Fellows, School and college children and Public.

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In connection with the celebrations KSBB organized a range of programs for public as well as school

and college children. The programs helped in creating awareness about the richness of biological,

cultural and ecological heritage of our country, the need for conserving biodiversity for sustainable

development through Photography contest, Documentary contest, Painting contest etc.

Inauguration of function

Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Oommen Chandy inaugurated the function. Expressing the

state governments disappointment over the central government not issuing the final notification of

Western Ghats ecologically sensitive areas ,even after six months of the green tribunal order, Chief

minister Oommen chandy said that the state has again urged the centre to take steps to speed up the

issue of notification. To meet the shortage of medicinal plants he said that work on a model medicinal

plant garden at Attappady will commence at the earliest. The government has plans to develop two

biodiversity parks in the capital, one at Peroorkada on a three acre land and another at Vallakdavu.

“While Western Ghats is spread over six states in India, only Kerala has completed the mapping of

123 villages, collected the opinions of the people in these areas and submitted the report to the Central

Government. The state should not be punished because other states are lagging behind in preparing

the report though the Green Tribunal has asked them to do so,‟‟ the Chief Minister said.

Hon‟ble Kerala Chief Minister Shri. Oommen Chandy inaugurating the International Day for Biological Diversity 2015.

Shri. K. Muraleedharan MLA, Kerala Biodiversdity Board Chairman Dr. Oommen V. Oommen, Chief Conservator of Forest

Dr. C.S. Cori, Member Secretary Dr. K.P. Laladhas and Board member Sri. K.G. Sreekumar also seen.

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Presiding over the function, K Muraleedharan MLA said that the equilibrium be maintained between

environmental protection and development.”The rapid growth of high rises in the state can have

adverse effects on the environment” he said.

Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy distributed the State Biodiversity awards 2014-2015

instituted by KSBB to Best BMC, Conservers of indigenous knowledge, varieties, breeds etc,

environmental organizations and educational institutions for their exemplary activities in biodiversity

conservation. Prizes for the winners of photography, painting and documentary competitions

organized by KSBB as part of IBD 2015 were also presented. Chief Minister also released a book on

“Biocultural Heritage and sustainability published by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board by handing

over a copy to Muraleedharan MLA.

A snapshot of Kerala State Biodiversity Board released book “Biocultural Heritage and sustainability”

Honb‟le Chief Minister released the book “Biocultural Heritage and sustainability” published by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board

by handing over a copy to Shri. Muraleedharan MLA in the presence Kerala Biodiversity Board Chairman Dr. Oommen V.

Oommen and Member Secretary Dr. K.P. Laladhas

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Kerala State Biodiversity Board Chairman Dr. Oommen V. Oommen and Member Secretary Dr. K.P. Laladhas addressing the audience

Dr. Oommen.V.Oommen, Chairman, Kerala State Biodiversity Board delivered the keynote address

on this year‟s International Biodiversity Day Theme-„Biodiversity for sustainable development”.

Kerala State Biodiversity Board Member Secretary, Dr.K.P.Laladhas welcomed the gathering.

Dr.B.S.Corrie IFS, PCCF, Social Forestry and Shri K G Sreekumar, CEO, State Medicinal Plants

Board gave felicitation. Dr.Rajashekharan, Senior Programme coordinator -KSBB expressed vote of

thanks.

Green Images 2015- PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Kerala State Biodiversity Board conducted a digital photography contest “Green Images – 2015”

under two categories Amateur and Professional. The contest was open till 10th May 2015 to all Indian

Citizens above the age of 18 years. The theme of the competition was “Biodiversity and Sustainable

Development”. About 1400 Photographs pertaining to Wildlife, Biodiversity, Sustainable agricultural

practices were received. The contest received enormous response from amateur photographers

including children and was given wide publicity through social media networks. Public participation

was ensured by giving awards to most liked entries. The interrelationship between man and nature

was brought about through several photographs depicting the agrodiversity of Kerala and sustainable

agricultural practises. All the entries were supplemented with catchy captions. The entries were judged

by an expert committee. Comprising of Shri Balan Madhavan , Wild life photographer, Shri

Devadasan, Wild life photographer, Shri P K Jayachandran Chief photographer, Manorama

Newspaper

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Some entries from the contest

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The First Place winner in Professional Category received a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- and in the

Amateur Category a cash prize of Rs. 5,000/-. The second and third prize winners in the Amateur and

Professional categories received cash prizes worth Rs. 5,000/-,Rs. 3,000/- and Rs. 3,000/-, Rs. 2,000/-

respectively. Each winner was awarded a certificate and Memento along with the cash prize. In

addition 5 consolation prizes of Rs. 1,000/- was awarded in each category. The photos were posted in

Kerala State Biodiversity Board‟s facebook page with due credit to the photographer. The most liked

entry in facebook was given a separate prize.

Green Images 2015 - Winners

Sl.

No.

Name and address of winner Amount

Professional (Rs.)

1. Pradeep S. Nandanam, Vilayilkulam, Menamkulam, Kazhakkuttom,

Trivandrum, Kerala, 695582 Ph: 9447408161

10,000

2. Praveeshshoranur, Mannath Lane, Shoranur 679121 Ph: 9846034897 5,000

3. Krishnakumar Muppathadam Pulikkal North House /Muppathadam P.O, Aluva-

683110 Ph: 9895366501

3,000

Consolation

4. Babu Thomas Alans Studio, Rrjakad po, Rajakad, Idukki (dis) Ph: 9447663595 1,000

5. Benny Ajantha, Vilavinal, Ajantha Gardance, Omalloor P.O., Pathanamthitta 689647 Ph: 9447053238

1,000

6. Maheen H. House No. 46/11195, Beemapally, Trivandrum 695008. Ph: 95 39

27 27 91

1,000

7. Pravinsinh R. Chauhan 22, Rajdeep Society, Opp.D‟Mart. Visat- Gandhinagar

Highway, Chandkheda, Ahmadabad- 382424. Gujarat. Ph: 9737032967,

9376209997

1,000

8. Razack Thazhathangadi Madhyamam Daily, Kottayam, Ph: 9645006037 1,000

Amateur

9. K Gopakumar „Krishna‟, Malayinkil, Malayinkil.P.O, Thiruvananthapuram,

Kerala – 695571 Ph ;9446122244

5,000

10. Anupama S. Ambadi,MRNA-C-193,KP 3/213, Mukkola P.O, Trivandrum ,Pin

695044 Ph: 8547333086

3,000

11. Sujan Sarkar Pilkhana Saheb Colony , Gudiahati-1, Nilkuthy , Cooch Behar,

West Bengal Pin – 736156 Ph: 9614192183 / 9635258837

2,000

Consolation

12. Dr. Sarat K. Babu Kalissery house, Carmel seminary road, Karukadom P.O.,

Kothamangalam, Ernakulam district. PIN 686691 Ph :9446413215

1,000

13. Kuntal Kumar Roy, 87B, Bandhab Nagar, P.O.-Dum Dum, Kolkata-700028,

West Bengal. 09433170535 / 09804068604

1,000

14. Paresh H. Paradkar, 303, Mayuresh Park, Kharegaon, Kalwa (West), Thane –

400605 98190 98266

1,000

15. Santhosh C. Puthenpurackel House, Parakarrakara PO, Pathanamthitta

8086442147

1,000

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16. Sirsendu Gayen 123/3 Jadav Ghosh Road, Sarsuna,Kolkata, WB, Pin-700061

+919051827200

1,000

HS-HSS

17. Jishnu J K Nalanda Public School, Thammanam Kuthapady,Thammanamkochi-

682302 Ph: 8089596659

3000

18. Thejus Pattan Indira Gandhi Public School Mambaram Kannur Ph:

9495324464

2000

UP

19. Bhavish Pattan Indira Gandhi Public School Mambaram Kannur Ph:

9495324464

3000

20. Divu Ariyani Ariyani house, Agali PO, Goolikkadavu, Mannarkkad,

Palakkad, 678 581 Ph: 9400754596

2000

Most Liked Entry

21. Arafath Ali M Mundasseri house, Palathara, cherusola (po), Malappuram pin

676510 Ph : 9895020016

1000

Winners receiving award from the Honb’le Chief Minister of Kerala Shri. Oommen Chandy

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Documentary contest

A documentary contest was conducted for Primary, Higher Secondary and Biodiversity clubs

constituted by KSBB. More than 30 documentaries were received. The documentary contest was

judged by Shri K Jyothish Kumar, State Director Doordarshan, Trivandrum, Shri Ramesh Vikraman,

Chief Editor, Visual Media Division, CDIT, Trivandrum, and A K Sherif Board Member KSBB.

Documentary contest - Winners

Sl. No. Name and address of winner Amount

Primary

1. First Prize: K. Rajan, Kannur Koothuparambu School- Puzhaye

Ariyan Puzhayodoppam

Rs.5000

2. Second prize: Basil Babu, MTM HSS Pampakuda, Ernakulam,

Prakrithiyeyum Manushyareyum thedi

Rs.2500

3. Third Prize: Vishnu Shaji, Pallithura Higher Secondary School,

Trivandrum - Neerthadam

Rs.1500

HS

4. First Prize: Aswin Krishna, Valayanchirangara higher Secondary

School,Ernakulam- Enne Appuvinte divasam

Rs.5000

5. Second prize: Geethanandan, Swami Vivekanandan Higher

secondary School- Utharapalliyare vismrithiyilekko

Rs.2500

6. Third Prize: Abhishan, Pallithura Higher Secondary

School,Trivandrum- „Kadal‟

Rs.1500

Consolation Prize

7. Devukrishna S Nath, G.G.H.S.S Cotton hill ,Trivandrum-

Matangam Prakrithiyilekke

Rs.1000

8. Anjana Vijayan, GGHSS,Cotton hill, Trivandrun- Muthazhipatathe

kanikoythe

Rs.1000

9. Amritha K, GHSS,Manathana,Kannur- Pinnilavinte tharatte Rs.1000

Biodiversity Club

10. First Prize: Jojy Jose, GHS,Periya-670 644,Wayanad- Ramettante

patam

Rs.5000

11. Second Prize: Aswathy A, Govt.Higher Seco.School,Meenangati-

Niravu

Rs.2500

12. Third Prize: Jyothima K., Chooliyad ALP School, Malapattam -

Then kiniyum Vidyalayam

Rs.1500

Consolation Prize

13. Anjana V, Govt.UP School,Thrikuttisseri,Kozhikode- Parayan

Marannathe

Rs.1000

14. Biju Nituvaloor, Nituvaloor AUP School,Kannur, Kanyabhumi Rs.1000

15. Hari P Pathman, G H SS Sreekandapuram,Kannur- Poovam

Kurunila

Rs.1000

16. Joyan, Little flower UP School,Mananthavati- Vellarikokkukalute

Ethiri Thuruthe

Rs.1000

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Painting Contest

A Painting contest was organized in the picturesque settings of Vallakadavu Boat House which is

being developed as a Biodiversity Park by KSBB. The paintings were judged by an expert panel

comprising of Kattoor Narayana Pillai, Retd Principal, Fine Arts College, Trivandrum, Shri Rajappan,

Retd Principal, Raja Ravi Varma Arts College, Neyattinkara Vijaya Kumar , Retd Chief Artists, Farm

Information Bureau, Trivandrum

Winners receiving award from the Honb’le Chief Minister of Kerala Shri. Oommen Chandy

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Painting Contest Winners 2015

Sl. No. Name and Address Amount

Ist Prize Justin Raj.N, Chitrasala, Nethaji Nagar,Nemom PO,

Pravachambalam

Rs.10,000/-

2nd

Prize Radhakrishnan K,Palarathala ,puthuval

Puthenveedu Parassuvakkal PO

Rs.5,000/-

3rd

Prize Prakrithi Babu,Vaniyath lane,

Mudavanmukal,Poojappura

Rs.3000/-

Consolation

1 Jayaprakash, Nellikadu, Thalachira

PO,Kottarakara,Kollam

Rs.1000/-

2 Vinod Kumar K, Ambalachira ,Karumanoor,Palakal

PO,Parasala

Rs.1000/-

3 Anil Roopachithra, Aji Bhavan, Nettirachira,

Mundela PO, Nedumangad

Rs.1000/-

4 J Mohanan, Veenas, 12th

Town, Nedumangad Rs.1000/-

5 M S Mohanan, Manimangalam, TC-53/10-32,

Santhivila, Nemom PO

Rs.1000/-

Winners receiving award from the Honb’le Chief Minister of Kerala Shri. Oommen Chandy

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Book on Biocultural Heritage and sustainability

Hon‟ble Minister of state, Environment, Forest & Climate change Shri. Prakash Javadekar in his

message on IBD 2015 told that “From the right knowledge, to the right resources and the right spirit of

working together for the common good, may the International Day for Biological Diversity 2015 help

us draw on synergies and strengths across sectors to achieve the vision of Biodiversity for Sustainable

Development”. The book on Biocultural Heritage for sustainability edited by K P Laladhas and

Oommen V Oommen attempts to bring together synergies and strengths across different sectors to

achieve sustainable development. The need to address biodiversity as a key element of sustainable

development is presented from the perspective of different sectors as Agriculture, Fisheries, Protection

of traditional Knowledge etc. The book is organized into four theme sections namely Farming in

Harmony, People for Nature, Knowledge is wealth and Races of the Land. The book aptly starts with a

chapter on Towards an era of Biohappiness, Biodiversity, Food Security and Poverty Alleviation by

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. People are at the centre of sustainable development and some of the

community conservation practices adopted are brought out along with conservation of the oceans, seas

and marine resources for sustainable development. The book also brings out selected case studies on

good governance by BMC for promoting development while protecting environment. Any sustainable

development framework must provide the enabling conditions for the conservation and sustainable use

of biodiversity, for more equitable sharing of benefits, and for reducing the drivers of biodiversity

loss. Community conservation practises in vogue from generations as sacred groves, Sea Courts are

brought out in this publication. In order to move from aspiration into action, it is necessary to translate

national goals into steps that could be taken at the local level and sustainable development can be

achieved only with the participation of public and the sustainable development models presented here

may hopefully inspire others.

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