Adopt a River

Tree labelling with QR-coded boards plays a crucial role in promoting environmental education and conservation awareness. By attaching QR codes to trees, the public, especially students and local communities, can easily access detailed information about various tree species, including their ecological significance, medicinal properties, and role in sustaining biodiversity. This digital approach not only helps in creating a deeper connection with nature but also supports ongoing conservation efforts by encouraging people to recognize the importance of protecting and preserving native tree species. Furthermore, it allows for the efficient tracking and monitoring of trees, aiding in research and contributing to long-term conservation strategies. In essence, QR-coded tree labelling bridges the gap between technology and nature, making learning about trees more accessible and interactive.

TIES recently installed approximately 650 QR-coded tree labelling boards across various educational institutions, religious centers, public libraries, and civil station campuses. Each board contains the tree's English and Malayalam common names, a QR code, and the name and logo of the respective institution, along with the TIES logo. The QR code directs users to a dedicated page within the tree database, which offers in-depth information about the tree’s habitat, distribution, uses, and other ecological details.

This initiative fosters active community interaction by transforming these public spaces into living classrooms, where students, visitors, and local communities can engage with nature more meaningfully. By scanning the QR codes, individuals can instantly learn about the importance of native trees and their conservation, sparking curiosity and discussion among different age groups. This technology-based approach makes environmental learning both accessible and dynamic, empowering communities to take part in conservation efforts and raising awareness about the role of trees in sustaining ecosystems.

In religious centers and public libraries, where diverse groups gather, these labeled trees offer a shared learning experience that promotes environmental stewardship. Educational institutions, in particular, benefit from this initiative by integrating the tree labelling into their curriculum, allowing teachers to guide students in understanding local biodiversity and ecological balance. Public interaction with these QR-coded boards also encourages dialogue on sustainability, fostering a sense of responsibility among community members to actively participate in preserving their natural surroundings. This holistic engagement strengthens the bond between people and nature, creating a collective sense of ownership and commitment to conservation.

“These QR-coded tree boards are more than just labels; they are gateways to knowledge, offering communities a chance to rediscover their connection with nature and become active participants in conservation efforts."

Kerala, with its rich cultural heritage, has always placed immense importance on every aspect of life, including the preservation of human, floral, and faunal communities. Historically, riverine communities in Kerala depended on rivers for their livelihood, transportation, and cultural activities such as rituals and festivals. This close relationship had a significant impact on river health. However, as technology and urbanization progressed, the bond between riverine communities and rivers weakened. The reliance on rivers for transportation and livelihood diminished, and festivals and rituals associated with rivers, like boat races, have become less common, now limited to a few areas.

Boating, particularly using traditional wooden boats (Vallam in Malayalam) and snake boats (Chundan Vallam in Malayalam), has historically influenced river hydrology. These boats, originally designed for quick manoeuvres in narrow waters and agile wartime navigation, have evolved into cultural symbols representing community pride and regional identity. Boating connects people with nature, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. Historically, riverine communities have deeply integrated non-mechanized country boats into their daily lives, using them for transportation, floating markets, and cultural events. These boats facilitate efficient movement, enabling commerce and connectivity within and between villages. Floating markets bring goods directly to people, fostering local economies and entrepreneurship. The traditional craftsmanship of these boats preserves cultural heritage, while their environmentally friendly operation minimizes pollution. Additionally, country boats enhance community resilience by providing mobility during natural disasters and serving as platforms for mobile education and healthcare services. This sustainable practice underscores the community’s harmonious relationship with the river and their environment.

In Kerala, boating has been one of the oldest modes of transportation, contributing to the cleaning of waterways and enhancing water flow. Nonetheless, the construction of small bridges across rivers has reduced the prevalence of boating.

The Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) is working to raise awareness among communities about the importance of sustainable boating practices to enhance both cultural and ecological values. By promoting these practices, TIES aims to restore the cultural significance of boating while protecting and improving river health.