Climate change has emerged as a formidable threat, manifesting in frequent and severe weather events such as floods, droughts, and heavy rainfall. These disasters have caused immense loss to life, property, agricultural output, and Kerala’s rich biodiversity.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Government of Kerala has come out with a groundbreaking initiative – India’s first large-scale ecological restoration policy for the State, the “Ecorestoration Policy 2021.” This comprehensive vision document outlines a roadmap for restoring Kerala’s ecological balance and ensuring a sustainable future for its citizens and natural resources.
The Ecorestoration policy document highlights the detrimental impact of rapid industrialization (1950-1980) and the introduction of exotic monoculture plantations, such as Eucalyptus and Acacia, on the State’s overall forest health.
The policy emphasizes the crucial goal of every Panchayat, Municipality, and Corporation achieving “Carbon Neutral” status. This ambitious target will require significant collective effort towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices, paving the way for a more eco-friendly future.
The Kerala government recognizes the urgent necessity for immediate action and places high priority on implementing critical eco-restoration projects. These projects aim to address the various environmental challenges faced by the State. The key focus areas of the Department, following the Ecorestoration Policy 2021, are outlined below.
Removal of Monoculture Plantations: These non-native plantations deplete vital resources and disrupt the natural ecosystem. The policy prioritizes their removal to make way for the reintroduction of native species, fostering biodiversity and improving the overall health of the ecosystem.
Protection of Native Species: The policy prioritizes the protection and restoration of native flora and fauna. This ensures the ecological integrity of Kerala’s natural landscapes and safeguards the unique biodiversity that thrives within them.
Deployment of Advanced Technologies: The Policy emphasizes the utilization of advanced technologies in forest management. This includes implementing innovative tools and techniques to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in conservation efforts, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Creation of “Mini Forests”: Encouraging the creation of “mini forests” across the state presents a significant opportunity to increase overall forest cover and promote ecological resilience. These miniature forests can be established in various areas, including urban spaces, contributing significantly to environmental improvement.
The Ecorestoration Policy 2021 is lauded as a pioneering initiative. It serves as a comprehensive roadmap for Kerala’s ecological restoration.
Beyond mere restoration, the policy emphasizes public participation and fostering diverse livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on forest resources. This holistic approach aims to address human-wildlife conflicts, mitigate the impact of natural disasters, and ensure sustainable development for all.
Please click here to download the Ecorestoration Policy 2021 (English)/ Ecorestoration Policy 2021 (Malayalam)