Workshop on Ecosystem service analysis for wetlands and estuaries at Malayalam University, Malappuram, Kerala

    A workshop on ecosystem service analysis of wetlands and estuaries was held on 28 November 2025 at the School of Environmental Studies, Malayalam University, Tirur, in the Malappuram coastal district of Kerala, bringing together 41 participants (7 male and 34 female, including three SC participants) from the School of Environmental Studies. Dr. Sreekanth G. B., Senior Scientist (FRM), ICAR-CCARI, Goa, delivered an expert lecture highlighting the ecological and economic significance of estuarine and wetland ecosystems, covering their key features, fisheries resources, ecosystem service identification, stakeholder involvement, evaluation methodologies, and the development of a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) approach. Dr. Arun Babu V., Assistant Professor and Director-in-Charge of the School of Environmental Studies and workshop coordinator, emphasized the importance of ecosystem service analysis for the sustainable management and conservation of wetlands and estuaries. A field visit to the Purathur backwaters provided participants with first-hand exposure to the diverse ecosystem services of estuarine systems. The participants appreciated the insights gained and expressed their commitment to contributing to a comprehensive ecosystem service analysis framework for estuarine and wetland ecosystems, with a focus on Beeyam Kayal and the Ponnani estuary.