India

The seventh international “Fascination of Plants Day” around 18 May 2024 will be launched by plant scientists across the world under the umbrella of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO).
The goal of this activity is to get as many people as possible around the world fascinated by plants and enthused about the importance of plant science for agriculture and sustainable production of nutritious food, as well as for horticulture, forestry and the production of plant-based non-food products such as paper, timber, chemicals, energy and pharmaceuticals. The role of plants in environmental conservation is also a key message.

This event was organized as part of the Fascination of Plants Day (FoPD) and the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Campaign to emphasize the roles of plants and butterflies in environmental conservation. The discussion encouraged all researchers to put individual and collective efforts for biodiversity conservation and prevent environmental degradation. The event followed a nature walk on campus to help students become more mindful about the surroundings and feel the connections with the other inhabitants on the campus including plants, animals, and insects.

Mangrove Quest Day: Diving Deep Into the Coastal Mysteries
Exploring Mangroves of Thanal Eco Park, Payyannur, Kerala
Exploring the conservation status of mangroves in the eco park, evaluating the local people’s and park management’s role in mangrove conservation and explaining the ecological importance of mangroves to the locals.
Thanal Eco Park in Payyanur, located in the Kannur district of Kerala, India, is a serene and eco-friendly park, situated on the banks of the Perumba River. Home to a variety of plants, majorly mangroves, as well as birds and fish.
The purpose of this visit is to assess the conservation status of the mangroves within the eco-park, considering the impact of continuous tourist visits. Additionally, we aim to raise awareness among the local community and management team about the critical importance of mangroves.
Dr. Ajay Kumar
Assistant Professor