Kasaragod district marked a proud double victory as the Kerala State Biodiversity Board announced its 2023 awards, with the Kasaragod District Panchayat Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) named the Best Biodiversity Management Committee and Government Fisheries HSS Bekal recognised as Best Green School in the State.
The District Panchayat BMC was adjudged the best in the State for its biodiversity conservation initiatives, which officials said have set a national model. Among its notable achievements, Kasaragod became the first district in India to officially designate a district tree (Kanjiramaram), flower (Periya Polathli), bird (White-bellied sea eagle), and animal (Palappuvan turtle) in 2023, with conservation efforts for these species already underway.
The district has also led the way in decentralised environmental recognition, introducing a district-level biodiversity award – another first in the country. Capacity-building programmes have been held annually for BMCs under the leadership of the district panchayat.
The Madhuravanam project, implemented in schools in partnership with the Student Police Cadet scheme, established fruit tree gardens whose conservation and upkeep were later evaluated.
Amid concerns over the ecological degradation of laterite hills, known for their laterite richness and biodiversity, efforts are under way to declare these a heritage centre. These initiatives in environmental restoration earned the district panchayat a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a certificate.
GFHSS Bekal was selected as the Best Green School for its work through its Biodiversity Club. The school serves as a heritage banana conservation centre, nurturing around 40 rare banana varieties, including those sourced from outside Kerala.
Its nursery for rare tree species distributed 2,500 saplings to schools and institutions. Efforts to protect nearly four acres of mangroves along the Bekal river also contributed to the honour. The school has developed a Nakshatra forest with rare plant varieties. The award carried ₹25,000 and a certificate.
Published – July 10, 2025 12:44 pm IST
