By Anoopa Mathews | Project Assistant
Naalumanikattu is a shining example of how grassroots efforts can bring about meaningful social and environmental change. What began as a small initiative by a group of determined women in Kottayam to clean up a neglected marshland along the Manarcad–Ettumanoor Bypass has now blossomed into a flourishing ecotourism destination. Today, Naalumanikattu is home to 12 food stalls run by 24 women, offering authentic Kerala snacks and local delicacies. These stalls have even earned a prestigious five-star hygiene rating from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)—a remarkable achievement for a community-led project.
Beyond its economic success, Naalumanikattu has had a profound impact on the lives of the women involved, offering them not just a livelihood but also dignity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Many of these women, who once faced social and financial limitations, are now community leaders—managing businesses, engaging with visitors, and inspiring others to step forward. Environmentally, the initiative has transformed a degraded space into a clean, green, and inviting area that attracts both locals and tourists, demonstrating that conservation and development can go hand in hand.
Sustainable Model
Naalumanikattu operates on a sustainable model that integrates environmental restoration, women’s empowerment, and rural entrepreneurship. Managed and technical support for the project is provided by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES), ensuring scientific oversight, community engagement, and long-term viability. The initiative is not just a livelihood program—it is a replicable model of inclusive, eco-conscious rural development.
As Naalumanikattu grows in popularity, so do its needs. The women urgently require better infrastructure, including waste management systems, eco-friendly seating, upgraded cooking and storage facilities, and enhanced safety measures to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. There is also a pressing need for training and capacity-building programs to strengthen their entrepreneurial and hospitality skills, as well as support for marketing and promotion to help them reach wider audiences. Without timely support, this inspiring project risks being constrained, limiting its full potential.
Supporting Naalumanikattu at this critical juncture means investing not only in a group of hardworking women but in a visionary model of sustainable rural development. Your contribution can help preserve this unique blend of environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment—ensuring that Naalumanikattu continues to thrive and inspire. By donating, you become part of a grassroots movement that uplifts families, protects nature, and showcases the resilience and potential of local enterprise.
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