A TALK ON “LOCAL FLORAL DIVERSITY: CHALLENGES AND CONSERVATION STRATEGIES at MES KEVEEYAM COLLEGE VALANCHERY
Dr. Manju C Nair showed beautiful photographs of many common Pteridophytes found in our surroundings and detailed about their significance in supporting local biodiversity. She also discussed the details of endemic Pteridophytes of western ghats. The methods of collection and preservation of these groups of plants were different from angiosperms, the flowering plants. A detailed demonstration on identifying individual plants from a group of diverse plants was also given. Madam presented many photographs of plants from her collection sites.
The session was followed by discussions. The participants expressed their concern about the felling of trees, filling of wetlands and the devastation of hilly terrains in the nearby localities. The views on lack of proper rules and regulations and the reduced role of authorities in conserving the ecosystem were also discussed. Dr. Manju C. Nair addressed the concerns of the participants and concluded the session by insisting everyone to work for conservation of local flora and fauna. If all the students involve in conservation activities it would turn out to be a mass movement, which is the need of the hour.
Report of the programme Download