OUTREACH PROGRAMMES

We at Wild and Dark Earth (WiDE) are committed towards various awareness initiatives on light pollution and the need for conserving nocturnal life. WiDE is passionate in engaging with people from various walks of life.

Exhibitions

WiDE co-founder Mathi Thumilan facilitated the organization of an exhibition titled 'Minaku Loka' (translated as 'The World of Fireflies') in Bangalore between 8 - 15th September 2024 to mark the birth anniversary of noted Kannda writer K P Poornachandra Tejaswi. The exhibition featured 130 photographs of fireflies captured across various countries and was attended by enthusiasts, students, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. This event effectively raised awareness regarding the behaviors, life-cycle, seasons, dietary habits of fireflies, and the detrimental effects of urbanization and excessive artificial lighting.

Meeting the Ambanis

Sriram Murali (co-founder of WiDE, IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist, IUCN SSC South Asian Invertebrate Specialist) and Chandra Sekar Ratnam (co-founder of WiDE, IUCN SSC South Asian Invertebrate Specialist), presented their work to Mukesh Ambani at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center in Mumbai on the 4th of October 2024. The presentation was part of an event recognizing the award winners of the Natural History Museum's Photographer of the Year. The discussion focused on the growing concern regarding light pollution and its impact on wildlife.

Enthusing the Enthusiasts

Sriram Murali and Chandra Sekar Ratnam were invited as speakers in conservation at the Ram Hattikudur Advanced Training in Conservation (RHATC) in Coimbatore on the 11th of December 2024. They shared their expertise and experiences in the field of conservation, highlighting both their achievements and the challenges they have faced in Firefly conservation. The purpose of the course is to encourage career conservationists to remain dedicated to long-term conservation efforts.

Storytelling

Sriram Murali and Chandra Sekar Ratnam addressed a gathering of students pursuing visual communication, electronic media at the PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore and shared their experiences in conservation and storytelling through photography.