Developing a sustainable socio economy through the restoration of sacred groves of the Malaiyali community in the Kalrayan hills of South India

Overview

The sacred groves of the Malaiyali community in the Kalrayan hills of South India are socio-ecological production landscapes (SEPLs), a repository for various ayurvedic medicines, and are enriched with regenerative resources such as fruits and honey. Sthala-vrikshas, known as temple trees, are often worshipped as part of sacred groves in various parts of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Malaiyali Sacred Groves in Kalrayan hills are currently in danger of being disrupted due to unrestricted human interference for land, wood and many other resources.

This project aims to map, study and document the threatened flora of selected groves along with their medicinal value. The current project also aims to integrate traditional ecological knowledge and modern science by developing in-vitro conservation protocols and reinstating conventional in-situ conservation practices. A varied approach has been developed to restore sacred groves and to create a community in harmony with nature. A sustainable socio-economy approach will also be implemented in the local community for the utilization of medicinal plants. The establishment of a water shed system and compost will restore sacred groves and livelihood of Malaiyali community.

Planned activities:

• Mapping and documentation of threatened flora
• Documenting conservation practices
• Devising protocols for in-vitro conservation
• Restoring the threatened plants (Vrikshavalli) and enhancing awareness of a sustainable socio-economy
• Module writing