2025-09-15

The Wings of Awareness project, an innovative nature education and birdwatching initiative of the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES), conceived and supported by Buimerc India Foundation, continues to inspire young minds by fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. With a vision to create a generation of environmentally conscious citizens, the programme encourages students to observe, appreciate, and protect biodiversity through the study of birds.The project will be implemented across 20 schools in Kottayam District, engaging around 1,000 students and 60 teachers.

As part of this ongoing mission, the second orientation session of the programme was held at Amayannoor High School, Kottayam. The event brought together enthusiastic student participants, guiding teachers, and supportive staff members, making it a collaborative effort towards environmental learning. 

The day’s proceedings began with an inaugural address by Mr. Thomas K. Eravikulangara, chief coordinator of the programme, setting the tone for the session. A warm welcome was then extended by Mr. A. Abraham, School Manager, who emphasized the relevance of such initiatives in nurturing environmental stewardship among the youth. The presence of Mrs. Nisha Elias, Headmistress of Amayannoor High School, added significance to the occasion. 

The orientation formally commenced with an insightful presentation by Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director, TIES, who introduced the vision, objectives, and structure of Wings of Awareness. He explained how the programme is designed not merely as an academic activity but as a transformative journey into the world of birds and biodiversity. A baseline survey was then conducted among students and teachers through structured questionnaires to understand their prior knowledge, interests, and attitudes towards nature.

Following this, an engaging one-hour interactive session was conducted by Mr. Sarath Babu, Nature Education Officer, TIES. His session provided students with hands-on knowledge about bird identification, bird ecology, and the role of avifauna in maintaining ecological balance. The class encouraged students to ask questions, share observations, and actively participate in discussions.

To equip participants for practical fieldwork, resource kits were distributed, which included Naturalist Diaries and Field Guides on Birds. These materials are expected to serve as essential companions for the students during their birdwatching explorations and note-taking exercises.

A significant highlight of the session was a presentation on the CROW (Children’s Resources for Ornithology and Wilderness) App, delivered by Suhaana, Project Officer – Wings of Awareness. She explained how the app could serve as a digital companion for documenting bird sightings, learning about species, and sharing observations. Further instructions on using the naturalist kit and upcoming birdwatching activities were also provided by Dr. Punnen Kurian, preparing students for field engagement. 

The orientation session at Amayannoor High School not only introduced the students to the broader goals of Wings of Awareness but also instilled in them a sense of curiosity, responsibility, and enthusiasm. It laid a solid foundation for the upcoming birdwatching activities, ensuring that the participants are well-prepared with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to embark on their journey as young naturalists and ambassadors of conservation.

The programme was coordinated by Manju N, Anoopamol M.K, from Amayanoor High School and Sruthy Shaji, an intern at TIES.