THRISSUR: The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Peechi, has been awarded a grant of `1 crore for studying various aspects of the ‘high range mountain landscape’ in the state.
The study funded by UNDP-GEF aims to support sustainable governance of biological diversity and streamline production activities in the mountain landscapes, said Dr Easa, director of KFRI, on Monday.The study is also to sustain livelihoods, addressing retrogressive factors like climate changes. It is also to make a framework for the effective use of the landscapes and strengthen the use of natural resources without disturbing the ecological integrity.
The high ranges are one of the important areas of the Western Ghats having unique and rich biological diversity, production sectors and culturally diverse communities. The livelihood of the people in the area is dependent on the long-term ecological integrity. The seven research projects in the study will generate data on the ecosystems of the mountain landscape as well as its history.
Livelihood improvement, tourism-carrying capacity as well as ways to improve acqua culture and cash crops like cardamom will also be defined, he said.