World Wetland Day celebrations-Field visit to the Chettuva Wetlands in Thrissur at St. Mary's College, Thrissur
On 8/2/26, a group of 18 students accompanied by 3 faculty members conducted an educational field visit to the Chettuva Wetlands in Thrissur. The group navigated the serene backwaters in a small boat, allowing for a close-range observation of one of Kerala’s most vital estuarine ecosystems. Dr Jain J Therattil (Asst Professor, St Aloysius College), an expert in faunal and mangrove diversity was the resource person who joined to enrich the field expedition.
The highlight of the visit was the dense mangrove vegetation that lines the banks of the Canoli Canal and the Enamakkal Lake. The students observed a variety of "true mangrove" species, characterized by their unique survival mechanisms. Notable features included: pneumatophores, stilt roots and species diversity like Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata, which create a lush, green canopy over the water.
The wetlands serve as a thriving nursery for diverse fauna. During the boat ride, the group spotted several species of water birds, including kingfishers, herons, and egrets. The faculty explained that the submerged roots of the mangroves provide a safe breeding ground for various fishes, crabs, and mollusks, which are essential to the local fishing economy.
The visit provided a practical understanding of how mangroves act as a "green shield" for coastal protection and carbon sequestration. Navigating the narrow channels in a small boat offered an intimate perspective on the delicate balance between land and water, emphasizing the urgent need for the conservation of the Chettuva ecosystem.
Programme Expenditure
| Sl | Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boat hire | 3500 |
| 2 | Resource person -talk and guide | 1500 |
| 3 | Transportation | 3500 |
| Total | 8500 |
Report of the programme Download