Thiruvananthapuram, June 5 (IANS) Tourism and environmental conservation must move together as Kerala’s natural beauty remains the biggest strength of the state’s tourism sector, Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh said on Friday, while inaugurating the state-level World Environment Day celebrations at Kovalam beach.

The Tourism Department will launch a year-long environmental conservation and awareness campaign involving students, youth and tourism clubs, the Minister said.

The initiative aims to create greater awareness about climate change and the need to protect Kerala’s fragile ecosystem.

“Kerala’s natural beauty is the major asset of the state’s tourism sector. Preserving our environment and nature is indispensable for the sustained growth of tourism,” Vishnunadh said.

The World Environment Day theme this year is ‘Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future’.

Highlighting the growing impact of climate change, the Minister said environmental degradation has become a major global challenge, with people losing their lives and being displaced due to ecological crises.

He pointed out that climate change has already affected communities within Kerala, including people in Kuttanad who are being forced to leave their homes due to difficult living conditions.

The coastal regions and fishing communities are also facing increasing challenges, with the Arabian Sea witnessing a rise in cyclones and high tides, he said.

Kerala is an ecologically vulnerable region, and the Tourism Department has been focussing on responsible tourism, which is now progressing towards the goal of sustainable tourism, the Minister added.

Recalling the environmental activism of Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, Vishnunadh urged students and young people to actively participate in conservation efforts.

The year-long campaign will be implemented with the support of socially committed organisations and tourism clubs across the state.

The programme will focus on environmental awareness, conservation activities and encouraging responsible tourism practices.

Tourism Director, M. Anjana, said environmental protection is a key priority of the department and Kerala is committed to sustainable tourism development.

As part of the celebrations, a mock drill involving tourism lifeguards was conducted, followed by an Environment Day pledge led by the Minister.

A walkathon involving students, environmental activists and volunteers was also organised, carrying messages highlighting the importance of protecting nature.

–IANS

sg/rad