BACKGROUND
Shola forests are native to the Southern Western Ghats and are found only in the high altitude mountains of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They are Biodiversity hotspots and are home to unique plants and animals including 'endemics'. The landscape also facilitates perennial supply of water to the local population and millions of people living downstream. Moreover, the Biodiversity of this region plays a key role in maintaining the aesthetic appeal of Munnar, which enables a thriving tourism industry. As part of the Company's holistic approach towards mainstreaming Biodiversity conservation, in 1999, Tata Consumer Products Ltd. (erstwhile Tata Tea Ltd.) launched the 'Shola Regeneration Project' to preserve existing shola and regenerate degraded sholas in the region. Since 2005, the project is being continued by the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company (P) Ltd.
IMPLEMENTATION
Under the 'Shola Regeneration Project', areas that had been degraded over the years were identified. Naturally germinated seedlings of native species were collected from the existing rich Shola forests during July-September and nurtured under nursery conditions at the R&D nursery of the Company, and once they were robust, they were transferred to the planting spots during planting season. Around 16,275 plants, which include 23 native tree species, have been planted.
Community Participatory Planting was undertaken with the support of school students and workers from various tea estates of the company. Training and awareness programs were also conducted among students. In addition, watch and ward staff was engaged to record daily wildlife sightings at a micro field of 300 hectares. These sightings were reported to the forest and wildlife department.
IMPACT
A detailed scientific study undertaken in 2017 in the Shola regenerated areas confirmed that conservation and maintenance of Biodiversity was enhanced due to the Shola Regeneration Project.
In addition to benefits obtained from ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, oxygen release, climate stability through conservation of rain inducing forests, soil conservation and ground water recharging, the consistent investment of time, effort and resources in Biodiversity conservation have also had a positive impact on sustainable agricultural operations of the Company. Moreover, preservation of wildlife corridors and other habitats has helped minimize man-animal conflict across the Company's landscape
Five endemic and endangered species of orchids have been selected for multiplication with the help of tissue culture. These experiments have been underway for the last 3 years and are demonstrating encouraging results.
The 'Shola Regeneration Project' continues to receive accolades and appreciation at various forums for successful conservation of wildlife, habitats and landscapes.