Mangaluru: The Amara Initiative 2025 concluded with a special mangrove plantation programme near the Netravathi River Bridge at Adam Kudru, marking yet another milestone in the city’s journey towards ecological sustainability and climate resilience. The event was jointly organized with the Centre for Advanced Learning (CFAL).

The ceremony was attended by several eminent dignitaries, including Ravichandra Naik (MCC Commissioner), Dr G Santosh Kumar (DUDC Project Director), Dr Shivakumar Magada (Arabian Sea Fisheries Management DG), Dr H N Anjanayappa (Dean, College of Fisheries), Ganaraj Pavalkodi (Syngene International), Jeeth Milan Roche (Vana Charitable Trust), Dr Steevan D’Souza (AIMIT), and others.

Dr Rashmi K presented an update on Amara’s progress, highlighting the planting of 11,000 trees so far, with a larger vision of increasing Mangaluru’s green cover by 30% by 2040.

In his keynote, Dr Shivakumar Magada emphasized the ecological value of mangroves, often dismissed as waste plants, but essential as fish breeding grounds, biodiversity protectors, and natural safeguards for soil and wetlands. Dr H N Anjanayappa echoed these views, stressing that mangrove planting directly supports fisheries and should be seen as a service to society.

Corporate support was also highlighted. Ganaraj Pavalkodi revealed Syngene International’s CSR partnership with Amara, aiming to plant 1,00,000 trees in phases, urging more public-private collaboration.

Jeeth Milan Roche shared that under Amara, 10,500 trees and 24,500 mangroves have already been planted, with targets likely to be achieved within 15 days. He credited the district administration, Amara and Vana teams, and supporters like Dr Santosh Kumar and Vijay Moras for driving the vision of a 30% green cover in Mangaluru.

The event also saw the release of the Amara Tree Count Report, followed by an on-site mangrove planting session at Adam Kudru with active participation from dignitaries and volunteers.

The Amara Initiative continues to spearhead efforts to expand green spaces, restore coastal ecosystems, and build a climate-resilient future for Mangaluru.