Disheartened by Kerala’s receding shoreline, especially in his native Vypeen, Murukesan has been on a mission to save the mangrove trees in the state. For he knows the crucial role that trees play in combating such ecological challenges.
- Murukesan’s journey towards mangrove conservation began in 2013, when he started working with the social forestry department.
- He later familiarized himself with mangrove tree nursery plantations
- Murukesan established his own nursery at Malippuram in 2014, where he successfully nurtured over 1 Lakh saplings.
- M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, under the support of HDFC Bank’s Parivartan Holistic Rural Development Programme has supported raising his Mangrove Nursery ‘Rhizophora’.
- He has been provided with many recognitions including the 24th PV Thampy Memorial Endowment Award, given to people for their extraordinary contribution to environmental protection
“During my childhood, mangrove forests were in abundance in Vypeen. They not only acted as a barrier between our island and the sea but also protected us from floods and sea erosion. Mangrove trees are deeply intertwined with our lives, and if we fail to safeguard them, our island will fall victim to these natural calamities. We already see the islanders facing these challenges. The most eco-friendly solution in front of us is to protect and nurture the mangrove trees.”
– Murukesan T. P.