World Environment Day Celebrated at Kovalam Coastal Village

The Federation of Indian Fisher Organization (FIFO), ProVision, and the Centre for Rural Innovation and Technology Development (CriTech) jointly celebrated World Environment Day on 5 June 2025 at Kovalam coastal village in Kanyakumari district. More than a hundred fisher people—including women, men, and children—participated in the event with great enthusiasm. As part of the celebration, participants carried out a community street-cleaning activity in the area where the event took place. Women leaders prepared a simple and traditional meal consisting of rice, green dal, and coconut.
The gathering also focused on key environmental issues such as food waste, marine pollution, plastic waste, and proper methods of waste disposal. The importance of minimizing plastic use was strongly emphasized. Women were encouraged to take leadership in these efforts, recognizing their vital—yet often unpaid—roles in managing both household and fishing-related responsibilities. Key community leaders who actively participated in the event included Fishworkers Development Society President Mr. Sahayam, Member Mr. Innaci, Women’s Group President Mrs. Sahaya Westy, Treasurer Mrs. Rabina, Executive Committee Member Mrs. Sujin, Senior Member Mr. Delbin, and members Mrs. Rani, Mrs. Andrus, and Mrs. Soosa Mary. Mr. Sundar Kalistus, Coordinator of CriTech, and Mrs. Freda, field staff from ProVision, coordinated and made arrangements for the successful conduct of the event.
At the close of the program, the leaders proposed renaming the cleaned street as Thomas Kocherry DC Street, in honor of the late Fr. Thomas Kocherry's contributions to fisherfolk and environmental justice.