2024-10-24

In a creative and educational effort to promote biodiversity conservation, TIES, under the IUCN Save Our Species project “Protection of Freshwater Ecosystems for the Conservation of Threatened Species in Munnar, Western Ghats, India,” organized a coloring competition at Government UP School, Thokkupara, Munnar, Idukki. This competition, part of the “Colour to Conserve” initiative, aimed to engage young minds in the cause of protecting endangered species and freshwater habitats in Munnar.

The event was chaired by Mrs. Suja, Senior Assistant, with a keynote address by Mr. Joy Androse, Headmaster and a warm welcome from Mr. Zainudhin (PRT Arabic). Mr. Nihal Hussain T.P., Project Officer for the TIES-IUCN project, conducted an insightful session on freshwater habitat conservation, emphasizing the threats to biodiversity in Munnar and the efforts underway to protect its vulnerable species.

Seventy-five students from classes 2 to 7 showcased their artistic talents in the competition, judged by Mrs. Mable C.D. and Mr. Sibi C.P., School Social Service Scheme coordinators, alongside Mr. Bechu Punnen Abraham from TIES. Master Gowtham K. won first place, with Master Edwin Mathai and Master Fayaaz Muhammed taking second and third places, respectively. Coordinated by Mr. Praful V. Panicker, Project Officer for TIES, the event received positive feedback from students, many of whom expressed that they gained valuable knowledge about conservation through this hands-on experience.