Roots Under Threat: A Case Study of Farming Communities in the Western Ghats During Environmental Policy Reforms

Abstract

This case study examines the lived experiences of farming communities in India's Western Ghats following the introduction of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) recommendations in 2010. Drawing upon the story of Rajan, a multi-generational farmer living in Kerala's mountainous regions, this paper sheds light upon the intricate human components of environ- mental protection policies. This paper uncovers the overwhelming socioeconomic and cultural impacts upon indigenous farm villages when the implementation of protection projects neglects to account for farm community livelihoods adequately. The findings highlight the critical conservation need that respect traditional ecological knowledge and gives precedence to community involvement in environmental policy.