Faseela V, Community Wellbeing

The Nilambur North and South Forest Divisions, in collaboration with Keystone Foundation, organised a three-day training programme on invasive alien plant species in the Nilambur region on 15,16 &17 of September.

The training programme was organised for field officers from the Nilambur North and South Forest Division areas, as well as Keystone field workers, Youth Leaders, and members of Community Forest Rights (CFR) Committees. The training focused on introducing, identifying, and mapping invasive alien plant species.

On the first day, Tuesday, 15/09/2026, the training programme for officers of the North Division and members of the Forest Protection Committees was held at the Nilambur North Division Programme Hall. Smt inaugurated the programme. Aneesha Siddiq, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Nilambur North Division. Shri. Jinesh K. P., Range Forest Officer, Nilambur, presided over the programme. Smt. Faseela V., Additional Programme Coordinator, Keystone Foundation, delivered the welcome address.

Shri. Aneesh Vaniyambuzha and Shri. Abdul Kasim Thottoli delivered felicitation addresses, and Shri Shyamjith P. K. proposed the vote of thanks. The sessions were led by Shri Keerthi Kritha, MIAPS Coordinator, and Smt. Shiny Rahel, Programme Coordinator, Keystone Foundation.

Keystone Foundation Programme Coordinator Dr. Shiny Rahel is conducting a session on Invasive Alien Plants for fi
Dr. Shiny Rahel is conducting a session on Invasive Alien Plants for field-level officers, PC: Faseela V
Inavsive alien plants Maping and inaturalist App introduction
Inavsive alien plants Maping and inaturalist App introduction, PC: Faseela V

The training programme for the South Division was conducted on 17/09/2026. Shri inaugurated the programme. Mujeeb Rahman, Range Forest Officer, Karulai. Shri. S. Biju, Deputy Range Forest Officer, Karulai, presided over the programme. Shri. Mubashir, Range Forest Officer, Kalikavu, delivered the keynote address. Shri. Sunil Kumar, Subject Coordinator, Keystone Foundation, delivered the welcome address.

Kalikavu Range Officer Mr. Mubashir is delivering the keynote address at the Invasive Alien Plants training programm
Mr. Mubashir is delivering the keynote address at the Invasive Alien Plants training programme,
PC: Faseela V

Kumari Shruthi, President of the Nedumkayam Forest Protection Committee, and Shri Vinod, Manjeeri, offered their felicitations.

The training sessions covered various aspects of invasive alien plant species. In particular, participants learned how to identify and map them. They also explored what constitutes an invasive alien species and the differences between invasive and native plants. Furthermore, the sessions examined their impacts on human communities, wildlife, and their habitats.