Our Story
Our journey began in 1986 with a bunch of nature lovers working on wildlife and forest conservation to raise environmental awareness in our society. Our aim was to raise an environmentally conscious generation by conducting studies on natural history and bringing environmental education in schools and colleges.
Along the way, we’ve been fortunate to welcome countless nature enthusiasts into our fold, each one adding their unique energy and perspective to our cause. Together, we’ve embarked on a transformative journey, one that has seen us grow from enthusiasts to committed environmentalists. Through our experiences, we’ve learned invaluable lessons, faced challenges head-on, and advocated tirelessly for environmental rights. We’ve inspired change in communities, governments, and industries, always striving to make a positive impact on our planet.
As we reflect on our journey, we’re filled with gratitude for the opportunities we’ve had and the progress we’ve made. Yet, we know that our work is far from over. With determination and dedication, we’re committed to continuing our efforts to protect and preserve our planet for generations to come. We’re excited to see what the future holds and are grateful for the opportunity to continue making a difference, one step at a time. Join us as we inspire change, transform communities, and work towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Major Milestones Of The Thanal Journey
Nature's Advocates (1986)
Born out of a love for nature, we embarked on a mission of wildlife and forest conservation, pioneering environmental awareness through studies on natural history.
Zero Waste Revolution (2002)
The ‘Zero Waste Campaign’ took shape, with a center in Thiruvananthapuram training communities on Zero Waste Management. This movement expanded to the Zero Waste Himalayas, involving two countries and seven Indian states.
Reviving Paddy Farming (2010)
The ‘Save our Rice Campaign’ became a national movement, with thousands of farmers adopting ecological farming practices across seven states, ensuring the supply of organic rice.
Carbon Neutral Initiatives (2016)
Began as a knowledge and technical partner in ‘Carbon Neutral Meenangadi Project,’ we coordinate with Panchayats and local communities to offset carbon emissions, presenting an innovative Kerala model of development.
Sustainable Livelihood (2020)
In 2020, Thanal initiated sustainable livelihood programs, recognizing their crucial role in uplifting marginalized communities. These programs serve as a catalyst, providing economically viable and ecologically sustainable opportunities for those often underserved.
Endosulfan Ban (2000-2011)
The escalating challenges of pesticide use and deforestation brought us closer to affected communities. Responding to their demands, our activism against endosulfan led to a state and global ban, marking a pivotal moment in environmental history.
Connecting farmers, consumer and Nature (2003)
Started as a Second Saturday Bazaar to seamlessly connect organic farmers, producers, and consumers for the efficient exchange of organic food, today our independent social enterprise, ‘the Organic Bazaar,’ promotes sustainable farming and toxic free safe food, providing a one-stop solution for safe and healthy home.
Organic Farming Advocacy (2010)
In 2010, Thanal initiated the ‘Promotion of Organic Farming,’ setting up the Agroecology center in Panavally, Wayanad. Today Agroecology Center is the largest live indigenous paddy collection in Kerala, which revives and conserves around 300+ traditional varieties of , paddy.
Tribal Agriculture(2019)
Thanal is working along with the indigenous farmers in Attappadi, Wayanad, and Pathanamthitta, for the revival of their traditional agricultural methods along with their culture, rituals, traditions and building sustainable livelihoods.
Our Vision
People, Planet, Sustainability
Our Mission
Crafting change for the future
Our Strategies
⦁ Steering critical campaigns and programmes directly
⦁ Providing a knowledge and support platform for social entrepreneurs, researchers and change agents
⦁ Mentoring and developing children and youth as green citizens of the future
⦁ Being a role model institution for change and bringing back the future