Grow with Nature

Christ College (Autonomous) is situated in the lush green terrain of Irinjalakuda. Right from its institution in 1956, the college management has made their priority to create an academic atmosphere that is an intersection of education and environmental stewardship. Various initiatives are organised by the college that are designed to cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world while fostering sustainable practices within the college community. Stringent efforts were taken to not disturb the natural and pristine nature of the premises, thereby providing a world-class education in a ‘natural’ setting. Various clubs like Bhoomitrasena, Biodiversity club etc. ensures the participation of the students in the environmental activities of the college that offers an eco-engagement stemming from an eco-positive attitude instilled into the students.

The 'Grow with Nature' program is a holistic approach in another step to offer eco-engagement for the students in the campus along with their education that focuses on themes like sustainability, environmental education, and co-existence with nature. This is one of our Best Practices that aims to make our campus a space to reconnect with the earth, learn valuable skills, and make a tangible difference on campus and beyond by instilling eco-consciousness in all the stakeholders. At the heart of this program is the belief that by nurturing a relationship with nature, we can inspire positive change and create a more resilient and sustainable future for all. Some of the major initiatives under the project include:

 Nest to Nature

 Ornamental Fish breeding – “Aqua…”

 Local Breed horse Rearing and Captive Program

 Conservation of Medicinal Plants – “The Nature‟s Bounty Program”

1. Nest to Nature- The Nest to Nature initiative at Christ College campus was initiated with the thought of how to protect and create a harmonious environment for the birds that were looked after in the campus. Central to this initiative was the establishment of a large cage to provide a safe shelter and support within our campus premises.

The primary objective of the program is to promote biodiversity conservation and ecological awareness among the college community. By creating a designated space for birds and animals to nest and thrive, we aimed to contribute to the preservation of the avian populations while fostering a deeper appreciation for nature among students, faculty, and staff. The implementation of the Nest to Nature program involved several key steps like:

Site Selection: A suitable location at the entrance of the college campus was identified for the construction of the bird and animal cage. Today, the space offers as a melodious welcome to anyone who enters the campus.

Cage Design and Construction: Working closely with the experts, a spacious and eco-friendly cage was designed to accommodate various bird species. The cage was designed to mimic natural habitats as closely as possible.

Species Selection: Careful consideration was given to the selection of bird species to inhabit the cage. Birds like Jandaya parakeet, blue yellow sided conure and pineapple conure were focused upon and their habitat requirements were taken into account to ensure the successful establishment of nesting colonies.

Monitoring and Maintenance: Following the completion of the cage, regular monitoring and maintenance activities were implemented to ensure the well-being of the resident and non resident bird populations. This included providing food and water sources and breeding environment, periodic cleaning, and addressing any maintenance issues as they arose.

The establishment of the bird and rabbit cage has led to an increase in the interest of all the stakeholders of the college to marvel at the avian faunal diversity within the campus environment. It can also act as a space of educational resource for students across various disciplines, providing hands-on learning experiences related to ecology, wildlife conservation, and habitat management. The program has also fostered a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff, as individuals come together to support and appreciate the natural world around them.

2. Ornamental Fish Breeding – “Aqua….”- Ornamental Fish Breeding ­­­Program at our college campus was established with the objective of promoting aquaculture education and conservation while providing students with hands-on experience in nurturing and selling ornamental fish species. The primary objective of the program is to create a sustainable model for ornamental fish rearing and sales that supports education, research, and environmental stewardship. By engaging students in the experiential learning activity with the processes of fish cultivation and marketing, the program aims to foster a deeper appreciation for aquatic life and promote responsible aquaculture practices.

The implementation of the Ornamental Fish Rearing involved factors like:

Facility Setup: Suitable facilities were established within the college campus to accommodate ornamental fish rearing activities. This included setting up fish tanks, filtration systems, and temperature control equipment to create optimal conditions for fish growth and development.

Species Selection: A variety of ornamental fish species were selected for cultivation based on their popularity in the aquarium trade, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with the available resources.

Student Engagement: Students were actively involved in all aspects of the program, including fish care, feeding, water quality monitoring, and tank maintenance. This hands-on experience provided valuable learning opportunities in aquaculture techniques, fish biology, and business management.

Marketing and Sales: The program organized periodic fish sales events on campus, where the teachers, students and others had the opportunity to purchase fresh fish through Christ college indigenous product sales counter (CCIPSC). We plan to take the project beyond college too whereby the campus can become a supplier of fresh, well-bred fishes.

The Ornamental Fish Rearing had several positive impacts on the college community. Students who participated in the program have gained practical skills and knowledge in aquaculture, entrepreneurship, and environmental. The fish sales served as a focal point for community engagement, bringing together students, faculty, staff in support of the program's goals and objectives. The Program also helped in promoting responsible aquaculture practices and sustainable fishkeeping techniques, that has indirectly led to increasing awareness about the importance of conserving aquatic habitats and protecting biodiversity. Academic research is another area that has been benefitted from this initiative whereby researchers are encouraged to make use of the facility for data collection and direct research.

3. Local Breed horse Rearing and Captive Program- Local Breed horse Rearing and Captive Program at Christ College was established with the goal of fostering a unique and enriching experience for the college community. Under this program, horses are reared and cared for within the campus premises, providing valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and promoting a deeper understanding of animal welfare and management. The primary objective of the Local Breed horse Rearing and Captive Program is to promote the well-being and proper care of horses within the college campus. It also aims to create a nurturing environment where students can develop essential life skills such as empathy, responsibility, and communication through interactions with horses.

The implementation of the Local Breed horse Rearing and Captive Program involved the following key steps:

Facility Development: Suitable facilities were established within the college campus to accommodate and provide green food for the horses. These facilities were designed to meet the highest standards of horse care and welfare.

Horse Selection: Horses were carefully selected based on temperament, health, and suitability for the campus. Emphasis was placed on acquiring horses with gentle dispositions to be accommodated in the campus wherein students get an opportunity to engage with them.

Student Engagement: Students were encouraged to actively involve in the care and management of the horses, participating in activities such as assisted feeding, grooming etc.

The presence of horses on campus has fostered a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff, creating a shared space for recreation, relaxation, and socialization. The public looks in amazement when they find horses being reared in the campus. The college aims to further the rearing program into the realm of academic engagements and research too.

The "Grow with Nature" program at Christ College integrates aquaponics with ornamental fish cultivation and a medicinal plant gardening in the campus to foster sustainable practices and educational initiatives. Through Aquaponics, ornamental fish are cultivated, offering hands-on learning experiences while providing a sustainable source of income through sales to customers. This holistic approach not only promotes environmental awareness but also equips students with practical skills in aquaculture and agriculture. Additionally, the maintenance of a medicinal plant garden enriches the curriculum, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and the therapeutic value of plants. Overall, the program embodies the college's commitment to environmental stewardship and experiential learning.

4. Conservation of Medicinal Plants – The Nature’s Bounty Program- The Nature’s Bounty Program at Christ College campus is dedicated to the conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants. Through this initiative, students and faculty collaborate to preserve biodiversity, promote sustainable practices, and harness the healing power of nature. The primary objective of the Nature’s Bounty Program is to conserve and propagate medicinal plant species for educational, research, and therapeutic purposes. By establishing suitable ecological spaces inside the college campus, the program aims to raise awareness about the importance of medicinal plant conservation and to pass on the knowledge about the therapeutic values of these plants to others.

Major steps taken for the functioning of the Nature’s Bounty Program in the campus included:

Garden Establishment: Dedicated garden spaces are allocated within the college campus for the cultivation of medicinal plants. These gardens are designed to mimic natural habitats and provide optimal growing conditions for a diverse range of species.

Species Selection: Medicinal plant species are selected based on their cultural significance, therapeutic properties, and ecological adaptability. Emphasis is placed on including diverse of medicinal flora.

Community Involvement: Students and faculty are actively involved in propagating and caring for medicinal plants, including tasks such as seed collection, germination, transplanting, watering, pruning, and pest management. These hands-on activities provide valuable experiential learning opportunities and foster a deeper connection with nature.

Academic Research and Documentation Opportunities: The program also provides opportunities to conduct research studies that explore various aspects of medicinal plants, including their botanical characteristics, compositions, pharmacological properties, and ecological requirements.

The Nature’s Bounty Program has positively influenced the Christ College community. Students participating in the program have gained practical skills in plant cultivation, herbal medicine preparation, and scientific inquiry. Preservation and passing on of the traditional knowledge and cultural heritage associated with medicinal plants fostered a sense of appreciation for our botanical diversity. The program also instilled the sense of biodiversity conservation efforts and encourages sustainable land management practices.