A tribal community takes charge against invasive alien species

The Kadar tribe in Vazhachal, Kerala, is working to restore natural forests that have been degraded by invasive alien species. This project, involving various government departments and organizations like WWF-India and KFRI, aims to remove invasive plants and replant native species that provide important forest products. The initiative not only benefits the environment but also creates job opportunities for tribal community members through MGNREGA. This work is being done in a newly established tribal hamlet, which received Community Forest Resource rights in 2014. The project aligns with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and showcases the importance of indigenous communities in conservation efforts.