Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 25 (IANS): Kerala will familiarise school children with biodiversity conservation, officials said.

Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) is launching Sunday a new project in schools to create awareness and familiarisation of biodiversity conservation.

Oommen V.Oommen, chairman of KSBB, told IANS that this project is financed by the National Biodiversity Authority and is aimed to impart awareness among students on the importance of conservation and sustainable use of our bioresources which are depleting at an alarming rate.

"To start with, this is being implemented as a 'pilot project' in five districts -Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Wyanad and the state level inauguration would be held tomorrow at Malappuram," said Oommen.

The project is based on a syllabus which includes different aspects of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of resources.

K.P. Laladhas, KSBB member secretary, said: "The students will be given lectures by expert resource persons."

"During vacation period, training will be given to students in biodiversity survey with emphasis on collecting data of traditional knowledge on biodiversity from older generation, vaidyas and tribal healers," Laladhas said.

The programme is for one year and evaluation will be done by conducting a test and certificates will be issued.

"The younger generation should be made aware on the importance of conservation and sustainable use of our valuable bioresources and natural habitats," added Oommen.