2026-04-22

The Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) is deeply honored to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious Kerala Management Association (KMA) Green Palms Sustainability Award 2026 in the category of ‘Impactful NGO’. This remarkable accolade recognizes our two decades of relentless dedication to bridging the gap between ecological research and grassroots sustainability.

The award was presented at a grand ceremony hosted by KMA, attended by distinguished leaders in the sustainability and corporate sectors. We were privileged to receive this honor in the presence of the Chief Guest, Mr. Siddharth Sharma (CEO, Tata Trusts), and the Guest of Honour, Dr. Aditi Haldar (Director, GRI, South Asia). The event was also graced by KMA’s leadership, including President K. Harikumar, Senior Vice President Algiers Khalid, and Vice President Dileep Narayanan.

Winning this award is a testament to the rigorous evaluation by a globally recognized jury, headed by Mr. Fredrick Royan (Frost & Sullivan, London) and Ms. Jaicy Paul (CGM, ESG & Climate Finance, SBI). The jury commended TIES for its holistic approach to sustainability, specifically highlighting our work in three core areas:

Research-Driven Innovation Supported by Global Institutions: The jury praised TIES for translating primary ecological research into actionable grassroots interventions. Through active collaborations with global entities like the IUCN and Cornell University, we have consistently delivered field-level solutions tailored for rural and farming communities.

Measurable Impact at Scale: Our legacy of executing over 125 projects spanning two decades was a key factor in the accolade. The jury highlighted our tangible results: over 800 students trained, 126 community members skilled in sustainable livelihoods, and 50 acres of farmland restored. This was made possible through our innovative Farmer Producer Company model, which turns landowners into shareholders and transforms fallow lands into certified organic farms.

Robust Governance and Institutional Standards: TIES was also recognized for maintaining high institutional integrity, evidenced by our ISO Certifications, transparent governance policies, and our ability to diversify and sustain funding across government, corporate CSR, and international bodies.

This award is not just a recognition of TIES as an institution, but a celebration of the communities, farmers, researchers, and partners who have walked this green path with us. We extend our deepest gratitude to KMA, the esteemed jury, and our global partners.

As we celebrate this milestone, our resolve to foster a harmonious coexistence between nature and society grows even stronger. Here is to building a more sustainable tomorrow, together!