Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage at CMS College Kottayam (Autonomous))
Report of the Invited Talk on World Wetlands Day 2026
CMS College Kottayam (Autonomous)
In observance of World Wetlands Day, the Bhoomithrasena Club of CMS College Kottayam (Autonomous), in association with the Department of Zoology and Botany and with the support of the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Kerala, organized an invited talk on 2nd February 2026 at 11:30 a.m. in Joseph Fenn Hall. The programme was conducted under the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.”
The resource person for the session was Dr. Sylas V. P., Associate Professor, School of Environmental Sciences and Director, ACESSD, Mahatma Gandhi University. The programme began with a formal welcome withthe introduction of the speaker by Ms. Jisa John, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, CMS College Kottayam. Faculty members, students of Zoology and Botany departments and members of the Bhoomithrasena Club, actively participated in the event.
In his lecture, Dr. Sylas V. P. elaborated on the ecological importance of wetlands and emphasized the need for their conservation in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change. He explained the various ecosystem services provided by wetlands, categorizing them as provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services. Wetlands provide food resources such as fish and other aquatic organisms, freshwater for domestic and agricultural use, and raw materials for local communities. They play a crucial role in regulating floods by acting as natural sponges, recharging groundwater, purifying water by filtering pollutants, and sequestering carbon, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation.
The speaker also highlighted the role of wetlands in supporting biodiversity, serving as breeding and feeding grounds for numerous species of birds, fish, amphibians, and other wildlife. He stressed that wetlands are vital for nutrient cycling and maintaining ecological balance. Special emphasis was given to the cultural and traditional knowledge systems associated with wetlands, particularly in Kerala, where local communities have historically practiced sustainable wetland management through traditional agriculture and fishing methods.
During the session, reference was made to the importance of wetlands recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty adopted in 1971 for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Wetlands designated as Ramsar Sites are recognized for their global ecological significance. In this context, mention was made of important Ramsar Sites in Kerala such asSasthamkotta Lake,Ashtamudi Lake and VembanadKol wetland which contribute significantly to fisheries, flood control, biodiversity conservation, and local livelihoods.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, during which students raised questions regarding wetland degradation, conservation strategies, and community participation. The programme ended with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource person, organizing committee, and supporting agencies by Dr. Vijo Thomas Kurien, Head of the Department of Zoology, CMS College Kottayam.
The event was highly informative and succeeded in creating awareness among students about the ecological services, cultural importance, and global significance of wetlands, thereby reinforcing the need for their sustainable management and conservation.
Programme Expenditure
| Sl | Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remuneration | 2500 |
| Total | 2500 |
Report of the programme Download