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Buimerc Foundation to spearhead a three-year Mangrove Restoration project to protect the coastal ecosystem in Kerala

Published in General Wednesday, 22 January 2025 18:34

        

                                              

The First-year Pilot will cover 10 km along the Vypeen Coast besides setting up a Mangrove Field School to educate youth and local communities about the importance of sustainable coastal management.

Kochi, January 22, 2025:  46-kilometer coastline of Ernakulam, accounting for 8% of Kerala’s shoreline, is home to a rich mangrove biodiversity, which is facing a threat due to urban expansion, unplanned land use, and environmental degradation. Mangroves act as a natural barrier against storms, erosion, and Tsunamis, protect coastal infrastructure, and support a wide array of plant, animal, and aquatic life, apart from efficient carbon sequestration.

Reiterating its social consciousness, Buimerc India Foundation (BIF), the philanthropic arm of the Buimerc Group based in Dubai/Kochi, has committed to a three-year Mangrove restoration project to protect Kerala's ecologically sensitive coastal regions. The project will be implemented with technical and scientific support from the nationally reputed MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).

Starting with a 10-km stretch off the Vypeen coastline in Ernakulam in 2025, the project will ensure seed collection, developing, nurturing field nursery, planting saplings, and monitoring their growth.  The Rhizophora Mangrove Field School & Nursery based in Vypeen, aims to preserve and restore fast-depleting mangrove vegetation, educate and create greater awareness, strengthen coastal resilience, and foster community-driven conservation.

Speaking to media persons BIF Chairman R. Balachandran said the organization has a few major projects for 2025 that focus on achieving maximum measurable and sustainable social impact. “Mangroves are known as the sentinels of the coast. Extensive evidence exists to show that mangroves act as a natural barrier in preventing coastal erosion and preserving and enhancing the biodiversity in the ecologically sensitive and fragile areas. We are happy we can play a role in protecting this fragile ecosystem”.

In the first year, the project envisages the preparation of close to 20,000 saplings for planting and distribution to places facing saplings shortage.   
“This initiative isn’t just about planting trees,” said Dr.GN Hariharan Executive Director, MSSRF. “It’s about equipping people, especially the youth, with the tools and knowledge to participate in conservation efforts. We genuinely appreciate the lead taken and the support given by BIF. Our extensive experience in this field and implementation in other parts of India would be very useful here,” he added.

“This partnership with MSSRF, reflects our shared vision of a sustainable future,” said Balachandran. “Together, we aim to contribute to protecting Kerala’s mangroves and empower communities to take charge of their natural resources.”

The Mangrove field school would be led by Mr. Murukesan, popularly known as the 'Mangrove Man of Kochi', under the mentoring and guidance of MSSRF. The school’s five-member team would collaborate with gram panchayats, local organizations, and residents to implement the restoration programs. It also focuses on youth capacity building, offering training and workshops to nurture future environmental leaders.
 

Dr. V. Shakeela, MSSRF Director (Kerala) was also present at the press conference.

Photo Caption:
R. Balachandran, Chairman, Buimerc India Foundation, Exchanging the MOU for Mangrove Restoration Project at Vypin to G.N. Hariharan, Executive Director, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. Dr. V. Shakeela, MSSRF Kerala Director is also seen

                                              

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