Kochi, July 17: Kerala’s renowned beaches and backwaters are set to offer tourists more than just stunning natural views. Soon, visitors will gain insights into the state’s rich marine biodiversity, fragile coastal ecosystems, and traditional fishing heritage.
To facilitate this, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is training tourist guides to act as ambassadors for marine conservation.
This initiative is the first of its kind in Kerala, aiming to strengthen tourism through environmental awareness and sustainable travel practices.
Dr. Grinson George, Director of CMFRI, stated that this program represents a new community engagement model that merges science with tourism for a common purpose. Tourist guides meet thousands of visitors annually, making them ideal advocates for the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable fisheries.
By equipping them with scientific knowledge, we are extending the reach of marine conservation messages beyond traditional awareness programs.
Twenty-four government-certified tourist guides have successfully completed an intensive training program designed to provide them with scientific insights into Kerala’s coastal ecosystems and marine resources.
This initiative builds upon CMFRI’s popular ‘Fish Walk’ outreach program launched last year, aiming to empower guides to effectively communicate conservation information to the thousands of domestic and international tourists they encounter each year.
The program illustrates the growing understanding that encouraging tourists to appreciate and comprehend the environment of the places they visit can play a crucial role in protecting natural ecosystems.
During an event marking the 98th foundation day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimoole presented certificates to the participants who completed the course.
The training covered various coastal and marine ecosystems in Kerala, including beaches, estuaries, mangroves, backwaters, rocky reefs, open sea, and deep-sea habitats.
Participants learned about the state’s rich marine biodiversity, traditional and modern fisheries, aquaculture methods, and the contribution of the marine sector to Kerala’s economy, enabling them to answer tourists’ questions with scientific accuracy. In addition to classroom learning, guides visited Chelanam Fishing Harbour, Puthenthodu Beach, Kottapuram Fish Cage Farm, and Panambukad Mangroves, gaining firsthand experience of coastal ecosystems, sustainable fishing practices, and aquaculture.
By providing scientific knowledge to those who introduce Kerala to the world, CMFRI hopes that every guided tour along the state’s coast will not only showcase its natural beauty but also inspire conservation efforts.
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