Reforestation in the Indian Western Ghats

We protect biodiversity in the Indian Western Ghats by reforesting forests together with the local people. By providing training and creating alternative sources of income for which no trees need to be felled, we are also contributing to the sustainable conservation of this biodiversity hotspot. This benefits people, nature and the climate of the entire region.

The Western Ghats in India are a forested mountain range that is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world due to its many endemic species. The mountain forests also have inestimable value as water reservoirs, they regulate the large-scale climate and provide many ecosystem services on which the existence of the local inhabitants depends. But the forest ecosystem is under threat: the population is growing, land use is changing – with negative consequences for people and the environment. The indigenous population groups in particular are heavily dependent on the use of forest resources. Deforestation also threatens the water supply of large cities such as Mumbai and Pune. Global climate change is exacerbating all these consequences.

With this project, we are helping to preserve and restore the biodiverse forests of the northern Western Ghats by establishing tree nurseries run by trained self-help groups. Together with the residents, we draw up an action plan for the sustainable use of resources and documentation of the biodiversity of the reforestation areas.

Project area

Goals

Improve income

400 families from 7 villages in the Western Ghats generate an improved income from the sustainable use and reforestation of 70 hectares of forest land.

Construction nurseries

4 local tree nurseries are being set up, run by trained self-help groups and producing 20,000 seedlings a year for reforestation measures.

Improve knowledge

300 families benefit from improved knowledge and achieve a 30% increase in income through the processing and marketing of non-timber forest products.

Create an action plan

An action plan for the sustainable use of resources is drawn up, coordinated between the stakeholders and implemented.

Impacts

70 ha

Forest restored

100

People trained to set up and operate 4 tree nurseries.

1

A tribal center has been established as a meeting and training place where the ecological importance of the forest and the traditional use of resources are discussed.