Biological indicators such as birds, insects, plants, lichens and microbes are the best tools to monitor the river health and river ecosystems, opined the national training commenced on 18th April at Pathanamthitta. Plants in the riparian ecosystems, macroinvertebrates in the riverine ecosystems and epiphytic lichens in the trees can rightly reflect the health and pollution status of riverine ecosystems. However, the Spatio-temporal assessment and weightage for each of the selected indicators needed detailed studies. Community participation could play a crucial role in every step of ecosystem assessment where people should be well-trained to monitor and document the presence or absence of each of the indicator species.
The five-day training programme is being held at Tharangam Mission Centre here at Arattupuzha, Chengannur. The programme was inaugurated by District Panchayath Vice President Ms. Sara Teacher and Aranmula Panchayath President Ms. Sheeja T Joji, Rev. Fr. Jyothish Sam, Dr. N.Anil Kumar, Mr. Joseph John was spoken on the inaugural function. The programme was organized by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation with the support of Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research. The programme is being attended by participants from ten states of the country in which resource persons from search institutions all across India and abroad are participating. The one-week-long programme includes both theoretical as well as practical sessions.
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