Exploring the Biodiversity of the Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, a mountain range along India’s western edge, is a biodiversity hotspot. This region is home to dense forests, vital rivers, and rare wildlife.
Key Features
- Location: The Western Ghats span several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- Biodiversity: The region is ranked among the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, with a rich variety of flora and fauna.
- Wildlife: The area is home to iconic species like the Asian Elephant and lion-tailed Macaque.
Challenges
- Land Degradation: Approximately 29% of India’s total geographical area has been degraded.
- Climate Change: Scientists estimate a 33% drop in biodiversity in the Western Ghats by 2050 due to extreme weather.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Agriculture encroaching on forested land contributes to growing conflicts.
Conservation Efforts
- Sustainable Agriculture: Projects promoting sustainable land use practices, restoring degraded lands, and protecting forests.
- Protected Areas: Establishing High Conservation Value Forests and protected areas to conserve biodiversity.
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in participatory land use planning and management.
Initiatives and Impact
- Rainforest Alliance Project: This project aims to benefit 770,000 people across Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It promotes sustainable agriculture and restores degraded land.
- Expected Outcomes: Restoring 75,000 hectares of degraded land, protecting 25,000 hectares of High Conservation Value Forest, and sequestering 22.4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions
CMP Bio World 