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Wayanad, Oct 19 (IANS) Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday lauded the innovative efforts of the Hume Center for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, highlighting its community-driven approach to deal with climate change and disaster risks in the sensitive hill district of Kerala.
In a post on X along with the video of his visit, the Congress leader expressed deep appreciation for the work of the young team led by director CK Vishnudas and social scientist Suma Das.
He said the Hume Center for Ecology and Wildlife Biology’s unique method of collecting data from tribal communities, villagers and farmers has sharpened predictions of landslides and weather events, making them more accurate and timely.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wrote, “They are doing incredible work towards understanding the impacts of climate change, disaster management and promoting scientific temper among the youth of Wayanad.”
“It was truly a pleasure to learn so much from him. He made us all proud, and I hope that many of his learnings can be shared with the rest of the world.”
Established in Kalpetta in 2005 by wildlife conservationists, researchers and educators, the Hume Center conducts systematic scientific studies on biodiversity and ecosystems, advocating conservation with strong community involvement.
Over the past few years, it has focused on monitoring extreme rainfall and floods in the river basins of Wayanad, addressing habitat fragmentation, infrastructure impacts and climate vulnerabilities.
A key initiative is its community-based climate monitoring system, which enables local people to track environmental changes, increasing resilience against events such as the devastating floods of 2018 and recent landslides that killed many people in the region.
CK Vishnudas, a biologist specializing in the ecology and conservation of Indian birds, has conducted projects on threatened species and landscapes.
Suma Das contributes expertise in the social sciences, linking scientific research with community engagement.
Hume Center programs also include biodiversity surveys, wildlife education, and youth workshops to foster scientific curiosity.
The video shared by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra shows her interacting with staff and students, watching presentations on climate data and taking a tour of the facility, underscoring the centre’s role in sustainable development.
The yatra comes amid growing concerns over Wayanad’s ecological fragility, deforestation and irregular monsoon.
Experts commend the Hume Center for integrating traditional knowledge with modern science, offering a model for global climate adaptation.
The Congress MP’s support has sparked interest in replicating such initiatives across the country, as India grapples with increasing climate disasters.
The Hume Centre, supported by grants from the Rainmatter Foundation, continues to expand its outreach, including the upcoming Wayanad Bird Festival in November 2025.
–IANS
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