DhaariN ENVIRONMENTAL INTERDhaariVENTIONS OF DIOCESAN SOCIAL SERVICE SOCIETIES NIN KERALA FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS KERALA SOCIAL SERVICE FORUM 1 Celebrate the networkingCONSOLIDATED REPO experienceRT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS OF DSSS DhaariN DhaariN (A SANSKRIT WORD WHICH MEAns “Collection”) VOLUME - VII Environmental Interventions of Diocesan Social Service Societies in Kerala for the last ten years KSSF THANKFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE Published by: Kerala Social Service Forum on 5th June 2017 Cheif Editor: CARITAS INDIA Fr. George Vettikattil Director, KSSF Compiled & Edited by: Jobie Mathew CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES Sr. Jessina SRA P. A. Jose CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS OF DSSS 2 DhaariN DhaariN Environmental Interventions of Diocesan Social Service Societies in Kerala for the last ten years KERALA SOCIAL SERVICE FORUM Amos Centre, Adichira, Thellakom P.O., Kottayam - 686630 Tel: +91 9447417590 I E-mail: [email protected] I www.kssfktm.com 3 CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS OF DSSS DhaariN Content Chairman’s Message 5 Preface by Fr. George Vettikattil 6 Introduction by Dr. Jose Kallarakkal 8 Environmental interventions of DSSS: 11 A. Trainings undertaken on Environment at a glance 11 B. Environmental activities at a glance 13 C. Activity wise data on the Environmental Interventions of DSSS 16 1. Watershed projects 16 2. Environmental Protection 26 a. Training Programs on Environmental Protection 26 b. Soil & Water Conservation Measures 28 3. Renewable Energy 57 a. Training & Workshops on Renewable Energy 57 b. Renewable Energy Devises 58 4. Waste Management 62 a. Trainings on waste management conducted by DSSS 62 b. Waste Management Activities 64 5. Biomass Conservation Activities 69 6. Wetland Conservation activities 72 7. Planting Tree Promotion 77 8. Natural Resource Management Promotional Activities 81 9. Supporting Systems Developed by DSSS in NRM Sector 86 10. Innovations in NRM sector by DSSS in Kerala 90 11. Significant success stories of DSSS in NRM interventions 95 12. Traditional Environmental practices protected/ preserved 109 13. Awards & Recognitions to DSSS 117 Conclusion 118 CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS OF DSSS 4 DhaariN Commission for Justice, Peace and Development Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council CHAIRMAn’S MeSSAGe I am very happy to present a report of the interventions of our Diocesan Social Service Societies for the promotion and protection of the Nature for the last 10 years, consolidated by the Kerala Social Service Forum, the official arm of the social activities of Kerala Catholic Church. I consider it as a historical document and I congratulate the diocesan social service socities and in particular, KSSF and all those who contributed to this noble venture. The nature is the gift of God to the living beings. Human beings are the stewards of nature. Thus every intervention to protect nature is nothing but collaborating in the work of God Himself. Nature and its resources are to be preserved and protected for the generations to come. So it is the prime concern of every one to conserve the nature- the miracle of God. Down the centauries the Catholic Church and the church leaders highlighted the importance of this mission, especially in ‘Laudato si’. The efforts, knowledge and resources invested by the DSSS to participate in this mission of the Church are indeed, a blessing for the Church in Kerala. I call upon all the Diocesan Social Service Socities to continue this noble work of God. I wish and pray that this book be a reference document for further learning and planning for creating an eco-friendly society. It is also an eye-opener to the civil society and its political and other leadership to know what the church has been doing in the last decade. Some of the initiatives could be taken as models for the government in their undertakings to enhance quality of human life. Let us dream for an environment- friendly society. May God’s blessings rest up on you all and the Nature! Yours lovingly, Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos Chairman, JPD Commission, KCBC 5 CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS OF DSSS DhaariN PReface “You are called to care for creation not only as responsible citizens, but also as followers of Christ!’’ -Pope Francis. It is our long cherished dream of publishing a consolidated report of the contributions of Kerala Catholic Church in protecting and conserving the environment. Involvement in the field of environment is divine as it is to protect the creation of God. Holy Bible teaches that Man is the steward of nature and the living beings. History of the Church reveals its commitment towards the protection and promotion of environment. Kerala Church has a significant role to safeguard the unique innate beauty of Kerala with all its flora and fauna. At the same time we realize that in some places there were limitations in conserving nature with all its richness. fr. George Vettikattil The environmental interventions of the Church Executive Director, KSSF are being carried out through the Diocesan Social Service Societies (DSSS) the official arm of the Dioceses for social apostolate. A huge volume of these DSSS’s interventions consists of activities related to natural resource management. Right from the time of shift to development approach, environment was the major concern of DSSS. Soil and water conservation measures, promotion and popularization of renewable energy, waste management are the major area of CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS OF DSSS 6 DhaariN involvement. Awareness creation and day observations helped our people to become an environment conscious society. Community participation is the strength of DSSS in all the activities especially in environmental interventions. The content of this document will speak for itself, is the proof of the efficiency and capacity of the DSSS acquired through their long years of research and experience in the concerned field. By this document KSSF wish to expose to the general public the knowledge and experience of DSSS in natural resource management. Let this document be a ready reference for cross learning and further interventions. The network of DSSS, among themselves, with the Government and other development agencies created a common platform towards the fortification of the nature. The collaboration among these development actors has facilitated the competence of the Diocesan Societies. KSSF remains grateful to Caritas India and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for their handholding in realizing this noble work. I also thankfully acknowledge the wholehearted support and assistance of Dr. V. R. Haridas, Zonal manager Caritas India, Dr. Jose Kallarackal, Emeritus scientist KFRI Peechi, Mr. T.A. Varghese, Director Christ University extension centre Trivandrum, Mr. Sasikumar Chennan, Director CRD Kazragode, Mr. P.A. Jose , Think Tank member KSSF cum General Coordinator WSSS Mannathavady. I am obliged to all the Directors and team members of DSSS for their generosity and cooperation to actualize this compiled report. My special thanks to Sr. Jessina SRA, Project Officer KSSF and Mr. Jobie Mathew, Team Leader KSSF for their efforts in fulfilling this historic document. “ If we destroy Creation, Creation will destroy us”, let these words of Pope Francis constantly ring in our ears. 7 CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS OF DSSS DhaariN Introduction Dr. Jose Kallarakkal CSIR Emeritus Scientist, KFRI, Peechi he satisfaction of human needs and aspirations is the major objective of development. The essential needs of Tvast numbers of people in developing countries for food, clothing, shelter, jobs are not being met, and beyond their basic needs these people have legitimate aspirations for an improved quality of life. A world in which poverty and inequity are endemic will always be prone to ecological and other crises. Development involves a progressive transformation of economy and society. Settled agriculture, the diversion of watercourses, the extraction of minerals, the emission of heat and noxious gases into the atmosphere, commercial forests, and genetic manipulation are all examples of human intervention in natural systems during the course of development. Until recently, such interventions were small in scale and their impact limited. Today’s interventions are more drastic in scale and impact, and more threatening to life- support systems both locally and globally. Sustainable development, adopted by the United Nations recognizes that growth must be both inclusive and environmentally sound to reduce poverty and build shared prosperity for today’s population and to continue to meet the needs of future generations. It must be efficient with resources and carefully planned to deliver immediate and long-term benefits for people and the planet. Sustainable development must not endanger the natural systems that support life on Earth: the atmosphere, the waters, the soils, and the living beings. The three pillars of sustainable development– economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion– carry across all sectors of development. CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTIONS OF DSSS 8 DhaariN Over the past two decades, economic the promotion of values that encourage growth has lifted more than 660 consumption standards that are within million people out of poverty and has the bounds of the ecological possible raised the income levels of millions and to which all can reasonably aspire.