During last financial year, Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre conducted 180 comprehensive education programs comprising of nature trails, slide shows, film shows, lectures, games and role plays on Biodiversity and Mangrove conservation for different school children, college students, G&B management trainees and citizens group.

Events Organized by Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre

Van-Mahotsav Celebration-2008

Every year Garden-Mangrove sections celebrate Van-Mahotsav in the first week of July to raise awareness about nature conservation among the society. This year we had organised various programs for different groups such as Godrej employees, Udayachal School Children, neighbourhood communities, architects etc.

This year’s celebration was inaugurated on 2nd July by Dr. K.A. Palia along with Mr Maneck Engineer and Mr. Purvez Gandhi by planting rare species of Mangroves such as Bruguiera cylindrica, Bruguiera parviflora and Ceriops tagel. Mr. Anup Mathew, Mr Biswajit Kumar were the special invitees of the function.

Around 65 employees participated in the function. Participants greatly enjoyed the visit to the luxuriant Mangroves conserved by Godrej.

A nature trail through mangroves and visit to Medicinal plant and Palm garden were also organised for the staff of Construction Division.

The group enjoyed the beautiful and rare fishes displayed in the Marine aquarium. They were also given interesting facts and information on various species.

Slogan and poster competition on Forest conservation and Nature conservation were also organised during this occasion for Udayachal high-school children by Mangrove section. We received a very good response.141 students participated in these competitions.

In the afternoon mangrove club members visited the hillside nursery. Different techniques of plant propagation were demonstrated by Mr Ram Nivas Rathor, Sr Manager, Mr Ravindra Walujkar and Mr Laxman Buva of Garden department.

On 3rd July Mangrove club members from Udayachal School Ms Vaishnavi B., Ma Vighnesh Bhandarkar, and Abhijeet Mishra presented slide shows on Trees of Mumbai and Pirojshanagar for 7th std. school children.

On the same day visit to Godrej Mangroves was organised for 10th Std students from Udayachal High School. Dr Maya Mahajan explained about the importance of nature/forest conservation and how children can contribute to save environment and mangroves. It was followed by a Nature trail through the Mangrove led by Mr. Hemant Karkhanis, of Mangrove Section

Seeds of different vegetables were sowed by little angels from Udayachal Primary school in their school
campus on 4th July. Seeds of different types of vegetables such as Amaranthus, Spinach, Lady’s finger, Beet, Cow-pea etc were shown to the children and nutritive values of these vegetables were explained.

In the afternoon a presentation on Medicinal Trees by Dr. Ogale was organised for Garden supervisors and other interested people at Hillside nursery.

A Mangrove Nature trail was also organised for Godrej customers- neighbourhood communities- ie residents of Garden enclave and for architects on 5th July. Around 65 residents of Garden enclave participated in the program, which included Mangrove nature trail, visit to Medicinal, Palm garden and Marine aquarium

Information on importance of nature conservation and the efforts taken by Godrej to conserve mangroves and maintain greenery in the Pirojshanagar was shared with the participants. Program concluded with the plantation of saplings of Barringtonia (Samudra phal) and Neem trees in Creekside area by young participants from Garden enclave.

World Environment Day-2008

On 5th June the World Environment Day was celebrated by SPGMEC in collaboration with  WWF-India, Maharashtra State Office.  A plantation of mangrove saplings was conducted in Godrej Mangrove area. The participants included WWF members and nature lovers from different institutes such as Institute of Science, M.D. College, St. Xaviers College, Ruia College, Khalsa College, Sathye College, Saraswati Secondary School, Parle Tilak Vidyalaya, Bombay Scottish, Kedarnath English medium school, Seeds of Peace organization. Plantation program was followed by a recycled Paper making workshop.

The Day began at 7.30 am with 52 nature club members, WWF-India subscribers and volunteers gathering at Vikhroli East Railway station, from where they were taken to the Godrej mangrove center. At the center the participants were introduced to the World environment day theme for 2008 i.e. “Kick off the Habit towards a Low Carbon Economy”. This was followed by a nature trail led by Dr. Maya Mahajan, Mr. Hemant Karkhanis, Dr. Goldin Quadros and Ms. Gauri Gurav. After the trail the participants were also taken to the Marine aquarium followed by the mangrove plantation drive. A total of 50 mangrove saplings were planted which included Avicennia marina, Brugueira cylindrica  and Salvadora persica. The plantation was covered live by IBN Lokmat channel where Dr. Mahajan was also interviewed regarding Godrej's Mangrove conservation efforts as part of their Programme on Wednesday – 08.

Click here for Video

After the plantation programme a Paper recycling workshop was held in the mangrove campus from 10.00 am till 12.00 noon. The workshop was well received by all the participants.

In the afternoon, an Oscar winning film titled- An inconvenient truth- A Global warning’ by Al Gore was screened for the staff of Construction division. An overwhelming response was received from the employees of construction Division and hence the film was screened in the two sessions. Mr. Maneck Engineer, Mr. Purvez Gandhi & Mr. Anup Mathew were special invitees of the program. The film show was followed by brainstorming session on Becoming a part of the solution in combating Global Climate Change

On 6th June a nature trail in magnificent mangroves conserved by Godrej was conducted for construction Division, which was lead by Dr Maya and Mr. Hemant Karkhanis. The presence of Mr. Purvez Gandhi Chief Operating Officer and Mr. Bishbajeet General Manager of construction Division made the visit more lively.

The trail started from the Jetty, where an introductory speech was delivered by Dr. Maya followed by visit to to watch Tower, Medicinal Plant garden, Marine aquarium, a walk through the pathways inside Mangroves and ended at Palm Garden. People enjoyed the breathtaking view of vast Mangroves and rare marine fishes in the aquarium. Information on medicinal plants and palms in the garden was also shared with the participants.

22nd April: Earth Day

On 22nd April, Earth Day was celebrated by screening a film titled Global warming ‘An untold story’ which talks about four stories explaining the impact of global warming in different regions in India (Orissa, Himachal Pradesh, Sunderbans etc). The film was screened for different groups including Udayachal Highschool and Udayachal Primary School teachers and Godrej employee throughout the day followed by a thought provoking discussion about combating Global Climate Change.

15th February: Teachers training program

SPGMEC in collaboration with WWF, Mumbai had organized a full day workshop on Global climate change on 15th February. Twentyfive teachers from different schools from the various parts of Mumbai had participated in this interactive program.

Presentations on Global Climate Change and how to combat this change were made by Dr. Maya Mahajan from SPGMEC and Dr. Goldin Quadros from WWF. This issue and possible solutions were discussed in detail through different games and activities.

The program ended with a nature trail in the lush green mangrove forest conserved by Godrej and a visit to marine aquarium.

Environmental Art awards: Woman of Substance-2008 (8th March 2008)

Dr. Maya Mahajan, from Mangrove Section was awarded with Woman of Substance 2007-2008 by the Young Environmentalists Programme at the Environmental Arts Awards function for her contribution to Environment protection through education, public awareness, research and conservation of Mangroves.

The function was held on the 8th of March 2008 ie on International Women’s Day at the Gopal Sharma International school Powai Vihar.

The painting competition on the environment subject also was organised at the same venue Dumb/ deaf and differently-abled school children were also encouraged and invited to participate on a common platform. Udayachal High School and Primary School students participated in the competition.

Participation in National Conference on Mangroves of India held in Bangalore-February 2008

Dr. Maya Mahajan and Mr. Hemant Karkhanis participated in the National workshop on Mangroves in India: Biodiversity, protection and Environmental services, which was held in Bangalore on 7th and 8th February 2008. Participants of the workshop were from various background including, scientists, mangrove experts, forest officials, Director, MoEF, NGOs and researchers from Academic institutes from various parts of India. Dr Maya presented a paper titled ‘A Model Mangrove Conservation Initiative in Mumbai by Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre’. Presentation and Mangrove Conservation work done by Godrej was appreciated by everyone.

World Wetland Day Celebrations 2008

On 2nd February a Nature trail and a filmshow on Wetlands in India were organised for a Nature club of School -formed by BNHS. On Sunday, 3rd February a Nature trail was organised for BNHS Members and Godrej Employees and Colony Residents. A film on Wetlands in India (Sacred Waters) which explores the wetlands and wildlife in various parts of the India was screened after the Nature trail.

On 2nd February (in the afternoon) we participated in the conference on Conservation and Management of Wetlands with special Focus on Thane Creek, which was organised by Enviro-Vigil (an NGO), Thane Municipal Corporation and Indian Association of Aquatic Biologist and a presentation on Godrej Mangrove Centre and its activities was made.

Anand Mela (22 December 2007)

This year during Anand Mela prize winning articles of Best out of Waste competition (which was held for Udayachal Primary School Children) and Mangrove Conservation posters were displayed on the Mangrove stall. A fancy dress competition was organised for children (Theme was Wildlife and Nature). Mr Naoroj Godrej visited the stall and appreciated the effort.

Wildlife Week Celebration (October -1 to 7, 2007)

The first week of October (1 to 7) was celebrated as Wildlife week by Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre (Mangrove Section).
The films on Indian wildlife, The Land of the Tiger exploring the wildlife in Kanha National Park and Gir forest and The Sacred Water which explores the magnificent wildlife along the river Ganges from Devprayag, Bharatpur, Kaziranga and Sunderbans were screened through out the week for different School Children including Udayachal High School, Veterinary college students from Parel and for G&B Employees and colony residents. Nature trails in Mangroves and film show on Amazing Mangroves were also conducted for School Children.
On 6th October fifty one employees of Godrej participated in the program, out of which 24 were from Construction division, 5 from Corporate HR and others from various plants of Godrej and Boyce. Participants were excited to see the amazing wildlife and were convinced about Wildlife Conservation.

Vanmahotsav Celebration by Mangrove -Garden Department

(1st to 7th July)

Every year the first week of July is celebrated as Vanmahotsav to spread the awareness about nature conservation by Garden & Mangrove Departments.

This year we organised Poetry and Drawing competitions on various environmental themes such as Nature/Forest Conservation, Global warming and Mangroves for Udayachal Highschool (UHS) and Primary School (UPS) children on 2nd and 3rd July. There was overwhelming response from the children of both the Schools. Eighty six students from UHS and 77 from UPS participated in Drawing competition and 35 students from UHS participated in Poetry competition.

Prize distribution for the winners was organised on 6th July. Mr Ramesh Bhandarkar, Deputy Manager from Construction Division and Ms. Binaifer Chhoga Principal Udayachal highschool were the guests of honour.

Prize-winning poems were read by the Children and were appreciated by the audience with round of applause.

On 4th July a Slide show on Tree Identification by Dr. Ogale was organised for UHS students and teachers. The plants including medicinal species were arranged outside the hall, where Dr Ogale took a practical session on plant identification for school teachers and the staff of Garden and Mangrove Department.

Around 30 ladies from Godrej Creekside and Hillside colonies participated in plantation programme in Creekside Mangrove area and near by Clubhouse on 5th July &7th July .

The weeklong programs during Vanmahotsava served to spread message of Nature Conservation among the people of Vikhroli, especially Udayachal School Children, G&B employees and residents of Godrej colonies.

World Environment Day Celeberation 5th June 2007

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Mangrove Centre (SPGMEC) organised a Rally in Creek-side, Station-side and Hill-side colonies to spread the message of Combating Global Warming through Environment Protection. Students and Godrej residents form colonies and from nearby areas participated in the same. In the afternoon a filmshow on Biodiversity Conservation and Global warming was organised in Interpretation centre. A poster presentation on Global Warming and need of Environmental Protection, Mangrove Conservation was held near Pragati Kendra.

World Wetland Day Celebration (2nd February 2007)

A poster exhibition on Wetland Conservation was organised on the occasion of World Wetland Day (2nd February 2007) in collaboration with WWF, Mumbai.
As a part of the Wetland Day Celebration on 4th February (Sunday) a Workshop was organised for School Teachers teaching Environment subject in different schools in Mumbai in Collaboration with Srishtidnyan. A mangrove nature trail and a visit to marine aquarium was organised. Teachers made presentations on their Environmental Projects. A Quiz competition was organised and a prize distribution program was conducted on the same day.

Participation in the First Wetland link International Asia Symposium on Wetlands held in Hong Kong from 23 to 27 January 2007

Dr Maya Mahajan, Executive Officer, Soonabai Godrej Marine Ecology Centre participated in the First Wetland link International Asia Symposium on Wetlands held in Hong Kong from 23  to 27 January 2007 and presented a case study of Mangrove Conservation by Godrej in Vikhroli.

Anand Mela (Mangrove Games & Poster Exhibition)

	During Anand Mela (18th November) an intellectual game related to Mangrove Ecosystem was organised. A very good response was received from various age groups.		Mangrove club members of Udayachal High school also were encouraged to organise various games related to Mangrove Conservation
	Mrs Smita Godrej, Mrs Pheroza Godrej and Mr. Navroj Godrej visited the Mangrove/Garden stall and appreciated the Mangrove Game and Poster exhibition.

Wildlife Week Celebration (1st to 7th October)

Various programs such as filmshows, slideshows on birds, butterflies, wonders of nature and wildlife as well as nature trails were organised for college student, Godrej and Boyce employees and Godrej colony residents
 

Film show on birds by Dr. Bakhale

Plantation program by NSS unit of Zunzunwala college on 30 August

Around 60 students from NSS unit of Zunzunwala college participated in the plantation program.They planted around 100 saplings in Godrej Mangrove area.
 

Mangrove Action Day, 26th July

Inauguration of Nature Club ‘Shrishti’ in Vikas Arts, Science and Commerce College, Vikhroli was done by Dr. Maya Mahajan on the eve of Mangrove Action Day.

Click here to see article in Times of India  http://www.mulundpowaiplus.com/fullStory.asp?articleID=MUP4ART852006

On the same day nature club members of Vikas College planted 200 propagules of different species of mangroves in Mangrove Nursery of S. P. Godrej Marine Ecology Centre.

Van Mahotsava

Van Mahotsava was celebrated (from 1st July to 10th July). In spite of heavy rains, the enthusiasm of participants was commendable.

On 1st July, Mangrove Club member, Ma. Shravan from Udayachal High school made a power point presentation on Forest ecosystems and their conservation.

Film show on Biodiversity (Wild Life) was conducted on the same day for Udayachal High School students.

On 3rd July a power point presentation on ‘Ecosystems and Biodiversity’ was made by Dr. Maya Mahajan for higher classes in Udayachal High School.

On 5th July, a film show on Biodiversity (Wild Life) was conducted for Udayachal Primary School students by Mr. Mukul Mahabaleshwarkar.

Nature trails and slide shows on Biodiversity and Butterflies were conducted for students from Vikas Arts, Science and Commerce College, Vikhroli on 7th and 10th July.

World Environment Day

On World Environment Day - 5th June, Drawing and Essay writing competitions were organized for all the three Godrej Colony children. In spite of vacation, a response from the children from all the three colonies was very good. Around 30 students participated in the competition.

Prize Distribution

Prize distribution ceremony for the Drawing and Essay writing competitions was held on 14th June.

Mr. Anup Mathew, General Manager, Construction Department was the chief guest and Ms. Binaifer Chhoga , Principal, Udayachal primary school was a special invitee of the function.

 >> Click here for more pics

Poster Exhibition

On 6th June Poster exhibition on Mangroves and their Importance was organized in Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. colony as a part of World Environment Day celebration.

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