Adopt a River

Kerala, with its rich cultural heritage, has always placed immense importance on every aspect of life, including the preservation of human, floral, and faunal communities. Historically, riverine communities in Kerala depended on rivers for their livelihood, transportation, and cultural activities such as rituals and festivals. This close relationship had a significant impact on river health. However, as technology and urbanization progressed, the bond between riverine communities and rivers weakened. The reliance on rivers for transportation and livelihood diminished, and festivals and rituals associated with rivers, like boat races, have become less common, now limited to a few areas.

Boating, particularly using traditional wooden boats (Vallam in Malayalam) and snake boats (Chundan Vallam in Malayalam), has historically influenced river hydrology. These boats, originally designed for quick manoeuvres in narrow waters and agile wartime navigation, have evolved into cultural symbols representing community pride and regional identity. Boating connects people with nature, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. Historically, riverine communities have deeply integrated non-mechanized country boats into their daily lives, using them for transportation, floating markets, and cultural events. These boats facilitate efficient movement, enabling commerce and connectivity within and between villages. Floating markets bring goods directly to people, fostering local economies and entrepreneurship. The traditional craftsmanship of these boats preserves cultural heritage, while their environmentally friendly operation minimizes pollution. Additionally, country boats enhance community resilience by providing mobility during natural disasters and serving as platforms for mobile education and healthcare services. This sustainable practice underscores the community’s harmonious relationship with the river and their environment.

In Kerala, boating has been one of the oldest modes of transportation, contributing to the cleaning of waterways and enhancing water flow. Nonetheless, the construction of small bridges across rivers has reduced the prevalence of boating.

The Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) is working to raise awareness among communities about the importance of sustainable boating practices to enhance both cultural and ecological values. By promoting these practices, TIES aims to restore the cultural significance of boating while protecting and improving river health.