2026-03-09

 At the heart of a living village landscape, a new chapter in community-led conservation has officially begun. On the evening of March 9th, the Kadappooru Bird Study Centre was formally inaugurated, marking a historic moment as India’s first community-led bird study centre rooted within a living village ecosystem.

A Collaborative Vision Brought to Life

Managed by the Winds Park Society, the centre represents a powerful synergy between local communities and environmental stewardship. The inaugural ceremony opened with a prayer, setting a harmonious tone for the evening. Following a warm welcome by Sri Baby Joseph, General Convenor, Organising Committee, Sri P. T. Somasekaran, Chairman of Winds Park Society, delivered the presidential address, highlighting the deep bond between the local community and their natural landscape.

The centre was officially inaugurated by Hon’ble Government Chief Whip Prof. N. Jayaraj, who praised the collective effort and the vital role of nature-based projects championed by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) in bridging science and community action.

Adv. K. Anil Kumar, Coordinator of the Meenachilar, Meenantharayar, and Kodoorar Restoration Scheme, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the Winds Park Society and applauded TIES Director Dr. Punnen Kurian for his vision of integrating the Bird Study Centre into a broader ecological restoration effort. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Winds Park Society President Sri Biju Purappattyl, reflecting the collective ownership of the project.

Sustainable Design and Meaningful Experiences

The centre itself is a testament to sustainable practices. During the event, Smt. Teena Maliyekkal took a moment of pride to honour the craftsmanship behind the eco-friendly structure, which was beautifully built using traditional materials like coconut wood, arecanut wood, and elephant palm leaves.

Described by Dr. Punnen Kurian as more than just a facility, this initiative serves as the first community-owned bird conservation sanctuary where education, conservation, and livelihood beautifully intersect. Visitors can currently explore three curated birding trails, which have already begun to inspire students and draw overwhelmingly positive feedback from early participants

Plan Your Visit: Reserve Your Bird Watching Session

Ready to discover the birds and natural beauty of Kadappooru? Supported by the scientific guidance of TIES, the project offers expert-guided bird-watching experiences tailored for both individuals and groups, paving the way for responsible nature-based tourism.

●     Book Your Slot: Secure your date and time through the dedicated online portal: https://ties.org.in/kadappoor-bird-study-centre-reservations.php.

●     For Enquiries: Contact the team at 9526347898, 9446767170, or 9497290339.