The Green Champion Kerala Award 2024

The future of our planet lies in the hands of the younger generation. Recognizing the crucial need to raise awareness and foster a deep understanding of biodiversity among the youth, the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Development (CBCRD) launched the Green Champion Kerala Award 2024. This initiative aimed to create a platform where young minds could learn about and engage with the rich biodiversity of Kerala, understanding the rare flora and fauna that call this region home, and acknowledging the human actions that have led to their decline.The importance of this program is underscored by the pressing need to protect our environment—not just on one symbolic day, but every day. Too often, nature protection is relegated to a single day of action, leaving the rest of the year devoid of genuine efforts. The Green Champion Kerala Award seeks to change this narrative by instilling a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship among students.In celebration of World Environment Day, CBCRD orchestrated an examination and a series of activities designed to highlight the significance of biodiversity conservation. The program was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from schools across Kerala, who pledged their support and participation. A total of 566 students, selected from various primary stages, gathered at Nanniyode SKV School to take part in this momentous event.The day's theme, "For a Better Tomorrow for Our Nature," focused on the critical role the Western Ghats play in our ecosystem. The event featured engaging activities that emphasized the conservation of these vital landscapes. The highlight of the program was an examination that tested students on their knowledge of environmental issues, designed to invoke a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our planet.The students approached the exam with remarkable enthusiasm, demonstrating their eagerness to learn and contribute to environmental protection. Based on their performance in both the examination and activities, one exceptional student was crowned the Green Champion of the year. Alongside this top honour, two runners-up were also recognized, with all three receiving certificates, trophies, and scholarships as a testament to their dedication and knowledge.To ensure that the momentum of this initiative continues, CBCRD has committed to sending regular newsletters to all participants. These newsletters, featuring editorials and articles written by CBCRD officials, will provide ongoing updates on biodiversity conservation efforts and the Centre’s initiatives. Through these efforts, CBCRD aims to keep the spirit of environmental conservation alive, encouraging students and communities across Kerala to remain engaged in the fight to protect our planet.The Green Champion Kerala Award 2024 is more than just a competition; it is a movement aimed at building a better tomorrow by empowering the young generation with the knowledge and passion needed to safeguard our natural world.