Environmental conservation and tourism need to go together, says Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh

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The Tourism department has plans to launch a year-long environmental conservation and awareness programme with the participation of students and the youth, Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh has said. Speaking after inaugurating the State-level World Environment Day celebrations organised by the Tourism department on Kovalam beach on Friday, he said environmental conservation is complementary and vital to the growth of tourism sector.

Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future’ is the theme of this year’s World Environment Day. “Kerala’s natural beauty is the major asset of State’s tourism sector, and preserving our environment and nature is indispensable for the sustained growth of the sector,” Mr. Vishnunadh said.

“We have climate refugees here in Kuttanad where people are leaving their own land due to harsh living conditions due to climate change,” he said.

“People living in the State’s coastal areas and fishermen community are at the receiving end of climate change, with the Arabian sea increasingly becoming prone to impact of the weather systems and high tides every year,” he said.

Mentioning internationally acclaimed Swedish environment activist Greta Thunberg’s campaign on issues relating to global climate crisis from a very young age, the Minister called upon students and the youth to be proactive in conservation activities. “Tourism department has planned a year-long conservation and awareness programme involving children with the help of socially committed organisations and tourism clubs,” he said. A mock drill involving tourism life guards was conducted as part of the event.

The Minister also flagged off a walkathon of students, environment enthusiasts and volunteers, who raised placards stressing the importance of environmental conservation.