National Biodiversity Congress held at the capital The National Biodiversity INSIDE THIS ISSUE Congress and Expo were Editorial 2 held at Kanakakkunnu, From Chairman’s from 23rd to 27th February Desk 3 2015. KSBB Events 4 National Biodiversity Expo was inaugurated by Eco Heroes 6 Chief Minister Oommen Strange But true 7 Chandy. More than 100 stalls were set by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurating Green Tales 8 various institutions and ‘Prakrithivarnangal’ organisations. ‘Prakruthivarnangal’, a live Biodiversity painting programme by 40 artists was organized. This was also inaugurated by the Chief Minister. The Congress was inaugurated by K. Muraleedharan MLA. Dr. Oommen V. Oommen, Chairman, State Biodiversity Board presided over the function. Dr. K. P. Laladhas, Member Secretary, KSBB welcomed the gathering and Dr. S. Rajasekharan, Senior Programme Coordinator expressed vote of thanks; Mr. Yalakki IFS, Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Mr. K. G. Sreekumar, CEO, State Medicinal Plant Board and Dr. P. G. Latha, Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical K. Muralidharan, MLA inaugurating NBC 2015 Botanic Garden and Research Institute were present. Sustainable use of Bio_resources, need of the hour: Governor The valedictory function of the 2nd National Biodiversity Congress held at Kanakakkunnu Palace Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram, was inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor, Justice P. Sathasivam. In his inaugural speech the Governor said that sustainable use of bio_resources should be promoted in the country. The emerging market for biodiversity_based products and services could generate alternative sources of income and livelihood. Minister for Environment and Forest Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan presided over the function. Governor distributed prizes to the winners of the contests organized in connection with the Children’s Biodiversity Congress and to the best pavilions of the Expo. Dr. Oommen V. Oommen, Chairman, State Biodiversity Board, Dr. AchuthSankar S. Nair, Board Member and Dr. K.P. Laladhas, Member Secretary, were present Hon’ble Governor Justice P. Sathasivam at the valedictory function. inaugurating the valedictory function of NBC 2015

EDITORIAL BOARD

Chairman_KSBB Chief Editor Editor Asst.Editors Layout & Design Dr. Oommen V. Oommen Dr. K. P. Laladhas, G. S. Unnikrishnan Nair Dr. Preetha N, Dr. Vijayasree A. S Vinod A.G Member Secretary, KSBB Mithrambika N.B, Dr. Baijulal B 2

Develop in harmony with nature status is witnessed. Huge mansions land use planning based on sound

Dr. K.P.Laladhas, have become a status symbol leading to scientific, and technical procedures, and Member Secretary, increased demand for sand and gravel land utilisation strategies are adopted KSBB Chief Editor and a proliferation of quarries. Kerala it will have adverse effects on our is now a strong market for luxury biodiversity and the economy. The Kerala has registered the lowest growth vehicles and according to a report, unsustainable demand for natural rate of population in the last one decade, has been clocking 40% year-on-year resources and their large scale exploitation and the state is about to achieve “zero growth for the last three years, much and consumption has resulted in the EDITORIAL population growth” in the coming years. higher than the rest of , and it now exhaustion of many of these resources and The Kerala model of social development sells more luxury cars than Chennai, loss of biodiversity. Such unsustainable has been widely acclaimed but Kolkata and Hyderabad. Roads are development is against broader interests unfortunately it also has one of the getting increasingly congested to and it is important to arrive at a highest monthly per capita consumer accommodate the increased number of development strategy that will promote a expenditure in India, both in rural and vehicles. Natural resources are an harmonious, balanced development. It urban areas. Although the state has important material basis for a stable is high time that we adopt a strategy of achieved social development by overcoming national economy and social development ‘Develop sustainably – Conserve illiteracy, high infant mortality rate, low whether it is renewable or nonrenewable. thoughtfully’ and understand the wisdom life expectancy, an unprecedented Land is the most important natural behind Mahatma Gandhi’s words “Earth consumption boom not necessitated resource which embodies soil and water, provides enough to satisfy every man’s entirely by utility but for raising the social associated flora and fauna. Unless proper needs, but not every man’s greed.” Learning to conserve Biodiversity

Minister K.C. Joseph inaugurating 7th CBC Dr.Joseph Mar Dionysius inaugurating Biodiversity Club meet 7th Children’s Biodiversity Congress was organized at the Institution of Engineers Hall, Thiruvananthapuram as part of the NBC-2015. The Children’s congress was inaugurated by Shri. K.C. Joseph, Minister for Cultural Affairs. The inaugural function was chaired by Smt. Sugathakumari. Dr.. K.P. Laladhas, Member Secretary, State Biodiversity Board, welcomed the audience. Dr. Oommen V. Oommen, Chairman, State Biodiversity Board and Dr. M. R. Thamban, Director, State Institute of Languages were present. Dr. Annie Mathai, Programme Coordinator, KSBB extended Vote of Thanks. More than 200 students participated in the congress. A meet of biodiversity clubs was also arranged at the Institution of Engineers Hall as a side event of NBC 2015. The meet was inaugurated by Dr. Joseph Mar Dionysius and presided by Dr. Oommen V. Oommen, Chairman, KSBB. Dr. K.P. Laladhas, Member Secretary, KSBB and District Co_Ordinator, Dr. K. P. N. Kurup were present. Subject Experts; Dr. Mathew Dan, Dr. N. Mohanan, Dr. V. George, Dr. Vinod Kumar and Dr. K. Radhakrishnan addressed the gathering. WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2015 Wetlands for our future On 2 February 2015, World Wetlands Day was celebrated in over 98 countries worldwide. The theme chosen for World Wetlands Day 2015 was “Wetlands for our Future”. This year there will be an emphasis on the agriculture and wetland sectors working together along with the water sector to secure the best possible outcome.The theme draws attention to the urgent need for actions that will slow, stop, and reverse wetland degradation. We must reverse that trend so as to secure the future of our wetlands and our futures as we cannot achieve sustainable development without healthy wetlands. Scientific estimates show that 64 % of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900 and the remaining ones are being degraded. Too few people realize the numerous services and benefits wetlands provide and their importance for humans and the planet. 3

ABS for sustainable development issues related to providing access, for compliance such as ABS accreditation securing benefits and confirming certificate would encourage better compliance and effective mechanisms compliance. The different sectors should for monitoring. A key point raised come on board with a full understanding of during the discussions was that ABS the framework and should be willing Dr.Oommen V. Oommen Chairman, KSBB mechanism should not restrict users, partners to make ABS work for but on the other hand it should facilitate development. Getting more people’s sustainable development through a voices from diverse sectors into this To waste, to destroy our natural mechanism that is non_bureaucratic, exercise of designing ABS frameworks resources, and exhaust the land will FROM CHAIRMAN’S DESK and predictable. ABS framework instead is of great importance. KSBB has result in undermining in the days of our of functioning as a regulatory regime conducted several rounds of discussions children the very prosperity which we should look into how industries with concerned stakeholders. If local ought by right to hand down to them function in terms of accruing benefits, people are denied the benefits derived amplified and developed.” unravel the entire supply chain and from the diversity of biological resources _ Theodore Roosevelt evolve strategies to ensure that they have nurtured over generations, it The 2nd National Biodiversity Conference industries use quality raw materials will be a denial of natural biodiversity held at Thiruvananthapuram in February and ultimately promote sustainable justice. More importantly, if the industries 2015 offered the key message that utilization of bioresources. Creating an commercially utilizing bioresources fail to Access and Benefit sharing is to be un_ambiguous framework that provides see ABS as an innovative and sustainable considered as one of the elements for clarity, certainty and predictability to mechanism to support conservation sustainably raising finance for conservation various stakeholders using biological and sustainable development, the and development, and not as a regulatory resources for commercial purposes is already dwindling natural resources regime. ABS related discussions necessary. The experts opined that will vanish forever. Let us not forget that focused on administrative and legal development of Incentive Mechanisms we are answerable to the next generation. NBC: Conference focuses on Access and Benefit sharing In this perspective, the focal theme of NBC 2015 was Biodiversity: Access and Benefit Sharing. The Conference was inaugurated by Ranjan Chatterjee, Expert member, Principle Bench, National Green Tribunal, New Delhi. He said that NBC 2015 will help to build understanding and cooperation and lay the ground for good decision making. Dr.Balakrishna Pisupati, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway in his presidential address said that NBC 2015 will enable to keep the momentum of Biodiversity conservation in India. Dr. Oommen V. Oommen, Ranjan Chatterjee inaugurating NBC 2015 Chairman, KSBB, Dr. Sachin Chaturvedi, For millions of Indians, biodiversity its regime of Access and Benefit_Sharing D. R. V. Varma and Dr. K. P. Laladhas, supports their livelihoods and way of (ABS) in such a scenario, in order to Member Secretary, KSBB attended Life. It is vital that India strengthens achieve the Aichi Biodiversity targets. the inaugural function. Madhav Gadgil wins Tyler Prize Eminent ecologist, Dr. Madhav Gadgil Gadgil and Lubchenco and a gold has been awarded the 2015 Tyler Prize medallion to both the scientists will for Environmental Achievement. The be given in April at a private ceremony Indian scientist will share the prize in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. They have with noted American marine ecologist been awarded the prize for their and scientist Jane Lubchenco from contribution to the development of the Oregon State University. biodiversity conservation and sustainability policies as well as The Tyler Prize, which includes climate change mitigation in their $200,000 cash, will be shared by respective countries and internationally. 4

KSBB EVENTS ♦ KSBB has been recognized as approved research centre by Kerala University. The main role of the centre will be to function as a Centre for Biodiversity applied research for collection, collation, management, analysis and dissemination of data on Kerala’s biological diversity. ♦ KSBB organized a seminar in association with International Centre for Gandhian Thoughts (ICGT) on the theme ‘Gandhian thoughts and Sustainable Development’ on 21-01-2015, at Thiruvananthapuram. Thennala Balakrishna Pillai, Chairman ICGT presided over the function. Minister for Environment and Forest, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan inaugurated the seminar. Dr. K. P. Laladhas, Member Secretary of KSBB welcomed the gathering. P. Gopinathan Nair, Chairman of Gandhi Smarakanidhi spoke about Gandhi’s thoughts on sustainable development. He released KSBB’s Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan inaugurating the Publication – ‘Prakrithi Geethangal’, a compilation of seminar on ‘Gandhian thoughts and Sustainable environment related poems, published by KSBB. The book Development’ was received by Adv. V. S. Harindranath, PSC Member. A booklet ‘Prakrithisamrakshanam – Gandhijiyude kazhchappad’ (Gandhian concept of Nature conservation) prepared by KSBB was also released in the function by Dr. P. K. Radhakrishnan, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University and the first copy was received by Dr. Oommen V. Oommen, Chairman, KSBB. ♦ The Greening gap project was inaugurated by Dr. Oommen V. Oommen in Peruvembu panchayat on 05.02.2015 and a tree planting campaign was held. A handbook on trees published by KSBB was released during the function. ♦ Chairman and Member Secretary, KSBB participated in the Two day Workshop on Global Environmental issues organized by National Green Tribunal at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on 14 & 15 March 2015. ♦ The Marine Biodiversity Register diving team visited the Kovalam area on 14.02.2015 and undertook underwater ecosystem studies and videography. ♦ Discussion on ABS implementation in Kerala was held at KSBB Head office on 8th and 9th of January 2015, for developing an ABS policy based on NBA guidelines. Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati, Former Chairman, National Biodiversity Authority lead the discussions. ♦ KSBB has initiated Conservation of Indigenous fresh water fish species to ensure food security as well as indigenous fish diversity in the water bodies of the state. Vellayani, the largest fresh water lake of the capital city has revealed decline in the total biomass of indigenous fishes. So as to enhance the biomass as well as the fish diversity of the lake, fingerlings of native varieties of prawn (Aattu konchu-Macrobrachium rosenbergii), Tree planting campaign _ 3500 nos. and Pearl spot (Karimeen-Etroplus suratensis) 20,000 nos. were released in ‘Greening Palakkad project’ to the lake. ♦ Eco_restoration of abandoned quarry of Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram was undertaken by KSBB. With the help of local supporting group, the following activities were done _ cleaning the quarry pond, disposal of collected wastes at recycling centre, levelling and cleaning of the area available at the entrance of quarry and erecting sign boards. ♦ Aiming at the conservation of rare and indigenous varieties of tuber crops, planting materials of ten tuber varieties were procured from the traditional farmers of Wayanad district and distributed to 127 farmers belonging to Chennithala, Thazhakkara, Mannar, Chettikkuangara, Thekkekkara Gramapanchayats and Mavelikkara Municipality of the Onattukara region. Organic manure was also supplied free of cost. ♦ KSBB conducted survey to document the biodiversity of military headquarters campus at . The initial survey documented 21 species of birds, 3 species of mammals, 18 species of butterflies and 225 species of plants. ♦ Chairman and Member Secretary, KSBB attended Environment and Forests Ministers officials conference on 6th and 7th April 2015, organized by MoEF at New Delhi. The conference deliberated on issues related to environment, forests, wildlife biodiversity Release of fish fingerlings in and climate change. Vellayani lake 5

Traditional knowledge _ our invaluable heritage

Kerala State Biodiversity Board organized traditional healers and Eco_friendly farmers meet as a side event of the National Biodiversity Congress. ‘Nattuvaidya sangamom’ held on 23rd February provided a platform for traditional healers to share experiences and skills inherited from their fore_fathers. K. J. Varghese IFS, Additional Chief Conservator of Forests delivered the special address followed by the presentation of Dr. S. Rajasekharan, Senior Programme Coordinator, KSBB. Dr. P. Sankarankutty, Former Director, Ayurveda Medical Education, chaired the session. Ten distinguished practitioners of Traditional Medicine belonging to tribal and non_tribal communities shared their experiance in areas Minister P. J. Joseph inaugurating Haritha Sangamam like Traditional/folk medicine, Vishachikilsa (treatment of poisonous bite), Nadichikilsa (Traditional pulse reading techniques) and Rasayana chikilsa (Traditional Rejuvenation Therapy). Harithasangamam, a meet of farmers’ who conserve a wide range of indigenous crops and varieties, was convened as part of the NBC 2015. The meet was inaugurated by Minister for Irrigation, Shri. P. J. Joseph. Dr. K. P. Laladhas, Member Secretary, State Biodiversity Board, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Oommen V. Oommen, Chairman, State Biodiversity Board, Dr. V. S. Vijayan, Former Chairman, State Biodiversity Board, Dr. P. G. Latha, Director, JNTBGRI and G.S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Scientific Officer, KSBB were present. R. Hali, former Director of Agriculture was the moderator for technical session. 20 selected farmers shared their experience. The Meeting of BMC’s was held on 25th February as a side event of the NBC 2015. Around 250 persons participated in the meet. ‘Breeds of wealth’ won Bronze Beaver award The documentary produced by Kerala was selected as the third best State Biodiversity Board and directed documentary in Popular Science by G. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Scientific Section. The documentary focuses on Officer, KSBB won Bronze Beaver Award the local cattle breeds of Kerala, in the National Science Documentary scientific facts regarding the health festival organized by Vigyan Prasar, benefits of milk and urine of Indian Govt. of India. cattle and conservation measures. More than 200 selected documentaries Videography of the documentary was were screened in the National Science done by Sanjeev Sukumaran and Documentary festival and competition editing by Anu George. held at Lucknow during the first week Vigyan Prasar (VP) is the National G. S. Unnikrishnan Nair receiving of February 2015. The festival was Bronze Beaver award Institute for Science, Technology and inaugurated by noted film maker communication established in 1989 Musaffar Ali.The awards were famous Hindi actor and film maker. under the Department of Science & presented by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, KSBB documentary “Breeds of Wealth” Technology, Government of India.

*The division of Arachnology of Sacred Heart College in Kochi, Kerala, has discovered two new species of spiders in the Western Ghats in. The two species discovered include huntsman spiders of the family Sparassidae that the team has named as Martensopoda sanctor and Stenaelurillus albus from the family Salticidae, also known as jumping spiders.- Zootaxa. *Team of scientists from four research institutions in Kerala have reported a new plant species named Oldenlandia dineshi.It is a shrub with long linear tapering leaves and dark blue flowers. The flowering period is from July to September and fruiting from September

to October. Several species of the Oldenlandia are widely used in Ayurveda for preparation NEW SPECIES of formulations such as Chyawanaprasam. - www.wiienvis.nic.in. 6 The “Butterfly” effect From December 10, 1997 to December names’ to protect themselves from company, harassed and intimidated her, 18, 1999, Julia Butterfly Hill lived in a charges and lawsuits, and Hill chose buzzing the tree with helicopters and tree 180 feet above the ground—on two “Butterfly” for her. laying siege to it from the ground to cut six_by_six_foot platforms. Her 738_day off her supplies. In her perch, with only The logging company decided to cut tree hug had one end goal: keeping alive tarps and sleeping bags for protection, down a 1500 year old majestic tree in Luna, a 1,500_year_old conifer, located Hill endured the high winds, soaking this forest, which was later named in the Headwaters Forest of Humboldt rains, and freezing temperatures of “Luna”. Earth First was looking for a County, California. Northern California’s coldest winter in ECO HEROES volunteer to sit in the tree and protect recorded history. And still she persisted, Julia Hill grew up in a deeply becoming a countercultural icon. Hill religious family as the daughter of a used her fame to draw attention to travelling, evangelical minister who the plight of the endangered redwood later settled in Arkansas. In 1996 forests, which had once stretched four she suffered nearly fatal injuries in hundred miles from Oregon to Big an auto accident. During close to a Sur, California. Ninety_seven percent year of medical treatment and of the redwoods had been cut down. recovery, she had time to reassess her Of the few that remained, only a purpose in life. Two weeks after being small fraction was protected. At last released by her doctors, she headed the company realised that the west on a journey of self_discovery. determination of the young woman She had no particular destination, is beyond their imagination. Julia, but the first sight of the ancient with great help from steelworkers redwoods overwhelmed her with awe. and environmentalists, successfully At that moment itself she realised that it from logging. Julia came forward. A negotiated to permanently protect the her mission in life is to protect this platform was made in the tree’s tree and a nearly three_acre buffer zone. great forest. She learned about the branches. For 738 days, Julia Butterfly threat to the trees and soon joined the Hill lived 180 feet high in the canopy of On December 18, 1999 Julia Butterfly Earth First, activists who were the ancient redwood tree to help make Hill, then 26, came down to a world that opposing the logging company’s the world aware of the plight of ancient recognized her as a heroine and powerful practices. The activists used ‘forest forests. Pacific Lumber, the logging voice for the environment. The “Jackfruit man” Known in his home state as ‘Plavu about 20 varieties of jackfruit. Jayan’ (which means ‘Jackfruit tree Thamara Chakka, Moovandan, Jayan’ in English), he has been on a Padavalam Varikka, Vakathanam mission since his childhood to plant Varikka, Muttom Varikka, Then and nurture these trees across villages Varikka, Athimadhuram Koozha, in his native district, a Rudrakshi, Ceylon Varikka and mission which has now spread all over Thenga Chakka are some of the the state and outside. popular varieties with him. He has organized many jack fruit festivals to GREEN FINGER Jayan, belonging to Avittathur, near popularise jack fruit farming as well as has an emotional bond to promote its product diversification. with the jackfruit tree, which kept him The book ‘Plavu’ is a rare initiative by and his eight siblings from starvation K. R. Jayan in which he details the as the family struggled to make ends significance and future of jackfruit tree meet with the meagre income of his and jack fruit. This book also has a fine father, a newspaper distributor. After compilation of 35 recipes of various discontinuing his education, Jayan dishes made from jackfruit. spent many years wandering till 1995, when he flew to the Gulf for a job. He The humble jackfruit is the key to returned home in 2006 to follow his Now, Jayan freely distributes jackfruit achieve local food security and life_long dream of planting jackfruit saplings to anyone who comes knocking stemming environmental degradation trees across his home state. The at his home in Avittathoor. He claims in India, especially the southern states, movement started with Jayan touring to have planted around 10,000 says K. R. Jayan. He points out that it Thrissur on a three_wheeler, stopping jackfruit saplings across the State, is ideally suited for Kerala’s climate. wherever possible to plant and care for many of which have grown into trees. “It does not need chemical inputs or jackfruit trees. In his nursery, there are saplings of care,” he adds. 7

Biodiversity awards declared

The annual awards instituted by the Balakrishnan of (Native cattle which carries a purse of Rs. 50,000, Kerala State Biodiversity Board breed), M. V. Vishnu Namboodiri of Kannur citation and plaque. In visual media (KSBB) in various categories for the (Traditional knowledge), and K. S. Anup section, Nishant Mavila Veettil of year 2014 have been announced. Das, MES College, Malappuram (Biodiversity ‘Mathrubhumi News’ (Television report) The award for the best environment research). The awards comprises a cash and S. Jayamohan Nair of ‘Manorama protection goes to Shahul Hameed of prize of Rs.50,000, a citation and plaque. News’ (Television documentary) were Kasaragod. K. R. Jayan won the award Christ College, Irinjalakuda, won the award selected. The awards carry a cash prize for protection of native varieties while for the best biodiversity club. Award for best of Rs. 25,000, citation and a plaque. Rajan Babu of Kayamkulam, bagged Biodiversity Management Committee the award for the best organic farmer. has gone to Mankara grama panchayat, The awards will be presented on May The other winners in the environment Palakkad. Vinoy Mathew of ‘Mathrubhumi’ 22nd, the International Day for protection category include N.V. was selected for the print media award Biological Diversity. Diverse nature, Diverse life The National Biodiversity Expo held at Kanakakkunnu palace premises from 23rd to 27th February 2015 showcased a variety of flora and fauna of the state and the domestic biodiversity. There were 105 stalls in the Expo. KSBB stalls presented photos that revealed the rich biodiversity of the state. Collection of indigenous paddy and tuber varieties of Wayanad and screening of biodiversity related documentaries were added attractions. Stall of Peringammala Banana Nursery attracted the visitors with a rich display of over 25 varieties of banana .One_metre_long banana bunch belonging to the variety ‘Perum Kadhali’ amused the visitors. The Kerala Cut flower Society presented a colourful display of cut flowers of Kerala. The stall of the Western Ghats regional centre of the Zoological Survey of India featured a rich collection of preserved specimens of snakes, insects as well as models of threatened species such as the pangolin, toddy cat, star tortoises and various amphibians. NBFGR exhibited the pictures of fishes of Kerala while Centre for Venom Informatics enlightened the visitors about the snakes of Kerala. The soil types of Kerala was the theme of Department of Soil Survey and Conservation. Dairy Training Institute presented a model of integrated farming unit. Traditional Healer’s camp was also arranged in the Expo. Stalls of JNTBGRI, KFRI, MSSRF, Pollution Control Board, Medicinal Plant Board, Federation of Indigenous Floriculturists, KIIDP and AGARWOODS were the other major attractions. Cultural programmes by tribal cultural groups were arranged during the evenings. The Expo was visited and appreciated by people from all walks of life. The Civet Coffee Ever heard of civet coffee or kopi luwak? It is the most expensive coffee made from half digested coffee beans separated from the dung of Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). As folklore has it, civet coffee, or kopi luwak in Indonesian, was discovered by plantation workers in colonized Indonesia. Forbidden from consuming coffee beans picked from the plants, they picked up, cleaned and then roasted the beans excreted by wild Asian palm civets that entered the plantations to eat the ripest coffee cherries. The civets’ digestive systems gave kopi luwak a uniquely rich aroma and smooth, rounded flavour — so much so that the Dutch plantation owners soon became die_hard fans. In the past 10 years, kopi luwak has won the hearts — and wallets — of global consumers. A cup sells for $30 to $100 in New York City and London, while 1 kg of roasted beans can fetch as much as $130 in Indonesia and five times more overseas. To satisfy global demand, many suppliers keep captured civets in cages and feed them almost exclusively on coffee cherries. Enduring appalling living STRANGE BUT TRUE conditions and an unhealthy diet, these nocturnal omnivores suffer mental distress — incessantly pacing and gnawing on their limbs — and succumb to illness and death. These grim farms are not confined to Indonesia. Farmers elsewhere in Asia have jumped on the bandwagon. By one estimate, 50 tons of mass_produced civet coffee from Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and China flood the market every year. 8 Big fruit _ Big benefit The Mango Tree It is jack fruit season once again. More and more qualities Folkltale from Laos of this wonderful fruit are being revealed. The fruit is unique for its size and sweet taste. It comprises soft, easily_ There once was a beautiful mango tree that grew in the jungle digestible flesh with simple sugars like fructose and near a village. Each and every year when its fruit was in season, sucrose, which when eaten, replenish energy and revitalise the children from the village would run into the jungle and the body instantly. The dietary fibre content in jackfruit harvest its delicious fruit. makes it a good bulk laxative, and helps protect the colon However, one particular day when the children went to the tree,

mucous membrane as well as bind to cancer-causing they were surprised to find a fence encircling the popular tree. GREEN TALES NATURE HEALS NATURE chemicals in the colon. Inside the perimeter of the fence were two mean looking dogs The fresh fruit has that watched warily their every move. A stranger who the small amounts of children had not seen before came out of the jungle and Vitamin A, and approached them. flavonoid pigments “Get out of here!” the _ such as carotene ß, stranger shouted xanthin, lutein & loudly. “This tree _ cryptoxanthin ß, belongs to me now!” which play vital roles in antioxidant and “No it doesn’t!” The vision functions. It is children cried. “You a good source of antioxidant Vitamin C. It is rich in the don’t own the jungle! B_complex group of vitamins, and contains good amounts This tree belongs to of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), niacin, riboflavin and folic acid. everyone. Anyone The fresh fruit is a good source of potassium, magnesium, can pick fruit from manganese, iron, copper, zinc and selenium. The seeds are this tree!” rich in protein and nutritious. Jackfruit is low in sodium, The children were right. But the stranger paid no attention to cholesterol and saturated fats. Being rich in phytonutrients them. He made his dogs chase the children who retreated back like Lignans, Isoflavines and Saponins, it is known to the village from where they came. Children told village for anti_cancer and anti_ageing properties. Antioxidant Headman about the stranger and about what happened. He functions of jackfruit have been documented in several was a wise man. studies. In fact, the jackfruit seeds have much higher anti_oxidant capacity than the edible portion. The fruit being The next day, one of the girls from the village went to the mango an excellent source of Vitamin C antioxidants which helps in tree. She threw two pieces of meat to the dogs and climbed over building immune system in order to protect against common the fence. She then took a mango from the tree and began eating. diseases such as cough, cold and flu. Several studies have The stranger ran over from the jungle and started shouting. reported various health benefits of jackfruit, including its The girl took another bite from the mango. Suddenly she role in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. In screamed out loud and fell to the ground and lay still. At that one study, the extracts of jackfruit significantly improved moment, the headman came by and walked up to the stranger. glucose tolerance in both normal and diabetic patients. “What have you done to this poor girl?” The headman asked Jackfruit has also been found to be having anti_ulcer effects him. and is useful for those with heartburn, asthma and The stranger replied_ “She took one of my mangoes and fell to breathing disorders. Studies have also explored the the ground.” anti_inflammatory role of jackfruit, which can be important to prevent the progression of obesity associated low_grade The headman knelt before the girl and felt her forehead. “I’m inflammation and its complications. The good amount of afraid she has mango sickness,” once every ten years, poisonous potassium contained in the fruit helps to lower high blood mangoes will grow from this tree…You must not eat any pressure and also reduces the risk of stroke and heart mangoes from this tree this year.” attacks. The dietary fats contained in the fruit helps to The headman then picked up the girl and carried her back to clean toxins from the colon. Thus, it reduces the effects of the village. The next morning, the children from the village toxin in the colon and protects from colon cancer. Jackfruit followed the headman into the jungle to the mango tree. increases vision and protects from free radicals. As this Looking around, they saw that the stranger was gone and took fruit is a rich source of antioxidants, it is highly effective in with him the fence along with his two fearsome dogs. preventing degeneration of the retina. Once again, the children began climbing up the mango tree to The long_neglected jackfruit is finally finding its rightful harvest its delicious fruit. When they returned to their village, place in the market – and on dining tables. In Mysore, the children laughed and sang songs in their happiness while Bangalore and Mumbai, you might have to pay Rs.100 carrying their mangoes. They shared their bounty with for a single jackfruit. But, people in Kerala have not yet everyone.”Trees are not selfish as men”_Head man said. realised the full potential of this fruit.

Printed and Published by Dr. K.P.Laladhas, Member Secretary, Kerala State Biodiversity Board, L-14, Jainagar, Medical College P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695011. Phone: 0471-2554740, Fax: 0471-2448234 Email: [email protected]. Website: www.keralabiodiversity.org For Private Circulation Only