Rewilding the Western Ghats | Sarayu Kamat

Environmental Impact & Challenges - Western Ghats, a 1,600 kilometer mountain chain, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich biodiversity, but faces threats from deforestation, mining, and encroachment [3][4][5] - Forest cover in western Maharashtra districts has fallen to 1869%, and in Nashik district, it is at 716%, leading to rising heat, drier summers, and crop losses [5] - Loss of forest cover results in water scarcity, nutrition insecurity, and threats to livelihoods, highlighting the interconnectedness of forests, rivers, and human well-being [6][7] Conservation Efforts & Initiatives - Raha Foundation has created conservation structures holding up to 1 billion liters of water annually, benefiting 110 villages and reducing the distance tribal citizens walk for water to 15 minutes [9] - The organization aims to create a green eco-corridor on the Western Ghats, linking wildlife sanctuaries and national parks through ecological restoration [10] - The organization planted 2,500 native indigenous species on a 10-acre barren field, leading to ecological succession and biodiversity recovery [14] Project Outcomes & Community Involvement - An 81% increase in vegetated area has been observed in the working area, positively impacting farmers by raising water levels in wells and enabling multiple crop cycles [22] - The organization conserves 3,000 acres across 13 villages and has planted 300,000 saplings of native indigenous varieties [21] - The organization emphasizes community involvement, creating leaders and stewardship within the community to ensure the long-term survival and thriving of the forests [19][20] Future Goals & Vision - The organization aims to conserve and perform ecological restoration on 50,000 acres in Western Ghats by 2030, aligning with the Green India Mission [25]