KOCHI: Here is happy news for the greens. Aiming at creating an awareness in society about the bio-diversity of Mangalavanam, the Department of Forest will set up a Nature Study Centre at the sanctuary. Students, researchers and nature-lovers can make use of the centre once it becomes operational. "Mangalavanam has a vast mangrove vegetation. Though many people want to study about them, there is no adequate facility inside the Mangalavanam at present. The department is planning to construct a camp shed suitable for one-day nature camps and a well-designed interpretation centre by renovating the existing building," said Ranjan, Wildlife Warden of Peechy division. "While the camp shed will provide the facility for oneday programme, the interpretation centre is meant to give details of Mangalavanam and its flora and fauna to the visitors. In addition to this, names of plants and trees will be etched on them and posters and boards will be placed," he said. Spread in eight acres of wetland, Mangalavanam is the only green lung inside the city. It was declared a sanctuary in 2004. More than 10,000 people visit Mangalavanam every year. Mangalavanam is also termed as a fine example of wetland ecosystem with related natural resources such as mangroves, various types of trees and plants and fish species. The Rs 20-lakh project is funded through the Sanctuary Development Fund, a joint venture of the Central and state governments. The Forest Department will formally begin the work of the camp shed and interpretation centre in September first week.