Forest Land and Forest Produce - A Perspective from Experiences at Palni Hills, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

A public presence ensures public participation and public participation assures forest conservation. This equation was the theme of the case shared by Ashoka Fellow R.Kannan working in the Palni Hills, a part of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. Kannan is showing the villagers and farmers how to hold the forest, grow crops, diversify the rural economy, protect the region's dwindling water supply and attract interest of forest officials and conservationists.