01/05/2026
The Restoration of Forests and Ecosystems Mission Conclave, held at Peringammala Panchayath on 29 April 2026, highlighted the pivotal role of JNTBGRI as a scientific and technical leader in landscape-level ecological restoration.
The programme was presided over by Shri P.N. Arunkumar, Panchayat President, and inaugurated by Dr. N. Anil Kumar, Chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, reflecting strong local governance and policy support. In his keynote address, Dr. Sreekumar S, Director, JNTBGRI, emphasized the genesis of biodiversity as a result of long-term evolutionary processes and ecological interactions and its central role in maintaining ecosystem stability, resilience, and sustainability. He stressed that restoration efforts must be grounded in native biodiversity, genetic integrity, and ecosystem functionality, supported by site-specific protocols and long-term monitoring. He also highlighted JNTBGRI’s contributions in conserving rare, endemic, and threatened (RET) species, developing science-based restoration models, and promoting community participatory approaches. He called for integrated and coordinated efforts among scientists, policymakers, institutions, and local communities.
The conclave also featured expert inputs from Dr. E.S. Santhoshkumar, Dr. M. Abdul Jabbar, and Dr. Joemon Jacob of JNTBGRI, along with active participation from NABARD, the Kulathupuzha Forest Range, the Agriculture Department, farmers, tribal communities, and Sasthra Sahithya Parishath, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive framework for sustainable ecosystem restoration and livelihood security.
