Ecologue – The social commitment of JPF

ecologue™ is a novel initiative of Jaiji Peter Foundation. It is basically a dialogue between the journalists and the eco-managers. It has virtually become an yearly summit of green journalists and like minded NGOs who share common concern of conserving Nature. Officials of Govt. department, researchers, social scientists and environmental activists are invited to contribute to the progress of the ecologue™.

Initial ten ecologue™s were conducted with the financial support from the Department of Forests and Wildlife, Govt. of Kerala. 11 th ecologue™, in 2013 was conducted in a ‘Participant Partially Supporting Scheme’. This scheme was evolved from the suggestions of the previous ecologue™ participants.

The participant journalists and activists are exposed to various issues regarding the conservation of the human and Wildlife ecosystems without prejudice or predesigned intentions, allow them to explore deep into the subject matter and evolve a strong attitude towards the need for conservation. Such common concerns evolved out of consensus which take shape as recommendations of the ecologue™.Recommendations are then given to the State and Central Govt. departments concerned.

All together 14 ecologue™s were conducted and more than 500 journalists/environmental activists participated in addition to the dignitaries and officials. Most recent ecologue™ was on 21 st ,22 nd & 23 rd Feb 2020 at Peppara, Kerala.

During the valedictory function of ecologue™2003 at Munnar on 11 th Dec 2003, Hon.Minister for Water Resources & Registration, Govt. of Kerala, Late T.M.Jacob’s declaration to form a Central Dam Safety Authority to mitigate the issue of Mullaperiyar Dam and at ecologue™2010 at Thenmala on 24 th Jan 2010, Hon.Minister for Forests and Housing, Govt. of Kerala, Mr.Binoy Viswom’s declaration to take over more than 17000 acres of alienated forest land at Munnar are the best example how ecologue™ convince and nudge the authorities the best that is needed to be done in a given situation and get them doing it instantly. Further Hon.Minister’s offer to sponsor the next ecologue™ shows the effectiveness and usefulness of ecologue™.

The proactive role of ecologue™ in conservation activities over the years has helped the decision makers to make appropriate decisions on one hand and the general public for taking up their concerns on the other hand. The concerned officials too find their pro-active initiatives get noticed and their valuable suggestions out of direct experience are heard and appreciated at the ecologue™ forum.