Initiatives
Pachathuruth Project
The Pachathuruth project aims to originate and protect natural forest specimens by planting unique trees and indigenous plants in wherever available lands. The pachathuruth project is to create man-made mini-forests within the living surroundings .These projects are planned by mobilizing the masses through participatory campaigns and through coordination and leadership of the Local Self-Government Institutions.
The pachathuruth proect is gaining momentum in kerala as people finds solace in greenery amid urbanisation. These Man-made mini-forests, incorporating the features of natural forest, is appropriate for land-scarce areas like Kerala, For this project , area of land is not a constraint (greenery can be made even in half a cent area). plants that are completely part of native biodiversity are widely entertained . Conservation of existing kavus and mangroves are also part of the project. Suitable types of footpaths and bio-fences are ensured .Maintenance and conservation of these pachathuruths are entrusted with the local communities . local people's participation in preservation and conservation activities of the pachathuruths are widely acknowledged.
Trees in small forests which are limited to certain areas, which are widely formed through green cover, have the ability for long term carbon sequestration and become long-term carbon stores through carbon dioxide absorption. These greenhouses can provide a number of ecological benefits, including regulating the ambient temperature in the area where the vegetation is formed and providing habitat for species including birds and insects. Under local self-government institutions, voluntary organizations, public institutions, departments or individuals, the Pachathuruth project aims to find patches of land for mini forests, shape the characteristics of the forest by including native trees and other plants and its continued protection.
Carbon is stored in the wood, bark, leaves, roots and soil of trees, which can greatly reduce the effects of climate change. Usually the trees have a long life span and hence most of the carbon is stored long-term without returning to the atmosphere. In addition, forests, known as the lungs of the earth, can release excess Oxygen to the atmosphere in large amounts, which is essential for every living being. Plants also help in the adsorption of airborne dust particles and other pollutants from various sources. Forests can also detoxify the toxic air emitted from vehicles and industries. The presence of plant roots and organic soil reduces the risk of soil erosion. This is why forests are considered as reservoirs of freshwater.
By creating more Pachathuruth (green spaces) in urban areas, it mitigates the effects of pollution and can reduce the effect of urban heat island, thereby to provide relief from the heat emitted by concrete structures and vehicles in cities. Pachathuruth can be used as a source of fruits, leaves and herbs. It directly or indirectly influences the local climate and helps to form a sustainable regional biodiversity ecosystem. These are the main benefits of Pachathuruth.
| Pachathuruth Status as on November 2023 | |
| Total number of pachathuruths | 2876 |
| Total area of pachathuruths (in acres) | 839 acres |
Incorporating SDG
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) adopted by the United Nations under its goal 15 on Life on Land urges Governments to Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. The concept of pachathuruth falls within the preview of Target 15.2 of SDG. Further it features Target 13.2 of SDG as pachathuruths are Man-made mini-forests, they form green cover, and have the ability for long term carbon sequestration and become long-term carbon stores . The Target 15.2 of SDG urges to promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. The pachathuruth project promotes afforestation, it mitigates the effects of pollution, reduces the effect of urban heat , directly or indirectly influences the local climate and helps to form a green sustainable regional biodiversity. This innovative project being a role model for originating mini-forest greenery in the midst of urbanization can be replicated in the urbanized locales of other states too.