KOCHI: To impart knowledge on the relevance of protecting mangroves in a world impacted by climate change, social forestry wing under the state forest department has established a Mangrove Information Centre at Malippuram.
The centre, spread over 2km in a mangrove forest, is situated adjacent to the aqua tourism centre of Matsyafed.
It provides information regarding 10 species of mangroves growing in the coastal areas of Ernakulam district. Ten mangrove saplings from each species has been protected with fencing.
The seating facility, swing, walkway, bamboo hut and miniature statues of various birds living in the mangrove forest are the other features at the centre.
Boards explain the botanical name of each species, the area where it normally grows and its character. Boards also highlight the importance of plants like Excoecariaagallocha and Rhizophoraapiculata and birds like great cormorant and cattle egret. The lush green forest has already turned out to be a most sought-after destination for students who want to study about mangroves. There is also a board which tells the story of how Pichavaram, a tiny village in Tamil Nadu saved itself from tsunami in 2004 when other areas suffered major damages.
To cross the streams flowing through the centre, four arch bridges have been constructed. The total cost of setting up the centre is Rs 10 lakhs.
"We established the centre with the aim of spreading awareness on the mangrove ecosystem among the public, especially students. This is the first time that a centre has been established in Kerala to provide information exclusively on mangroves. We won't allow visitors to carry plastic inside the forest. There would be an entry fee of Rs 10," said K J Martin Lowel, assistant conservator of forests, Ernakulam.
Vypin MLA S Sharma will inaugurate the centre on Saturday at 11 am.
