Centre for Media Studies and Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) Jointly Organisaed "Vatavaran" - India's Exclusive National Environment and Wildlife Film Festival for the first time in Coimbatore From January 8 -10, 2005 as part of the Salim Ali 108 Birth Anniversary Celebrations at the State Forest Service College, Forest Campus, R. S. Puram, Coimbatore 

The film festival featured some of the most exemplary work in the areas of biodiversity and water conservation. The three day long film festival focused on the theme "Conservation of Natural Resources".  Aimed at showcasing 28 nationally acclaimed Vatavaran award winning documentaries, the Coimbatore Vatavaran Film Festival highlighted diversity in nature and the atrocities it is subjected to, thus encouraging the young audience in making informed choice.