It is heartening to see the Coorg Wildlife Society (CWS) working alongside the Karnataka Forest Department to conduct joint programmes aimed at creating greater environmental awareness among the public, particularly about the need to protect Kodagu’s fragile natural environment.
As part of National Wildlife Week, Karnataka Forest Department in association with CWS, has organised a birdwatching and nature exploration programme on October 5 at the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
The programme, aimed at birdwatchers, nature lovers, wildlife photographers and conservation enthusiasts, offers participants an opportunity to explore the sanctuary’s natural habitats and observe Kodagu’s rich avian diversity under the guidance of experienced naturalists.
The programme, however, has received an unexpectedly low response from local residents. The organisers had limited participation to 50 seats, all of which were filled shortly after registration opened. However, according to the Coorg Wildlife Society, only five participants from Kodagu have registered for the programme.
CLN believes that greater participation from local residents would have been desirable, particularly as the programme provides an opportunity for people of Kodagu to learn more about and engage directly with the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of their own region.
The strong response from outside Kodagu indicates considerable interest in exploring the sanctuary, while the limited local participation raises questions about whether enough opportunities are being taken by residents to discover and appreciate the natural wealth in their own backyard.
CLN would like to remind readers that we publish atleast one article per week on birds, animals, regreeing of nature and similar environment related topics. Amongst these Dr. Bishan Monappa’s series on birds, butterfiles and landscape is exceptional – a must a see on the CLN Online platfrom – https://clnews.in/category/images/
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I have a lot of Kodava friends and follow the posts on matters that affect Kodagu with keen interest – CLN does a great job of providing a great platform for exchange of views. I am fascinated by the discourse. The recent article https://clnews.in/2026/09/26/what-should-unite-the-kodavas-is-not-their-genes-but-their-identity/ was truly exceptional. A delicate and sensitive topic handled with finesse.
Coming specifically to the Birdwatching event, the applications got closed before one could blink. Only 50 seats for an exciting event of this nature are disappointing. Which also begs a question – why so few “locals” for the event? There is a lot of confusion on the membership rules for joining Coorg Wildlife Society too – which makes interested applicants shy away from what could be an exciting interaction. More visibility, awareness and encouragement for nature enthusiasts should be encouraged. Appreciate that everyone on the Committee provide Honorary work – all the more reason to extend membership and get relevant volunteers to run programs that would strengthen the otherwise degenerating landscape, flora, fauna, birds, butterflies and so on.
Perhaps the low local participation is due to a lack of awareness of the event; the first time I’m reading about this.
I’m not a member of CWS but read CLN every week.
Great initiative, especially the collaborative effort with the Forest Department. After all these are our Forests, to be explored and appreciated “responsibly”. Well done CWS Team. With better communication and trust, larger numbers with greater frequency could be conducted. There are supposedly Nature Trail experts at the more evolved resorts – rope them in. They will benefit, can contribute to the program and also impart better knowledge to their guests.
Exciting and yet sad – the participation by local Kodavas is so low and in a way reflects our concern for Mother Nature. CWS is trying and their collaborative effort with the Forest Department is an extremely important well meaning initiative. Trust has to be built with small steps, and these efforts are in the right direction.
Catch them young as they say – one understands that there are programmes for school children too – these should be carried out with vigour as children pick up quickly and they are the custodians of the future!!