Government of Kerala

KERALA FORESTS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

Ecorestoration
Policy
2021
(GO (MS) 29/2021/F&WLD dated 17-12-2021)
 Government of Kerala

Ecorestoration Policy, 2021

(GO (MS) 29/2021/F&WLD dated 17-12-2021)

(Translation from Malayalam)

Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department

4
 1
Introduction
1.1 Kerala, a green isle on the southern tip of the Western
Ghats is blessed with nature’s bounty seen in its forests,
sea and rivers. Our forests, rivers, backwaters, wetlands and
human habitats are home to rich biodiversity. Conservation
of our natural environment, especially forests, is essential
to ensure the ecological stability of Kerala, which has high
population density and higher standards of living. The
forests play a crucial role not only in ensuring water security
of the State, which is fast moving from water-rich to water-
scarce situation, but also in regulating floods due to heavy
rains.

1.2 The Western Ghats, one of the eight ‘hottest of the

hotspots’ of biodiversity in the world, has been included
in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Copious
rains, abundant sunlight, high humidity and exceptional
geography play a crucial role in shaping Kerala’s exceptional
and rich biodiversity. In a State which is witnessing rapid
developmental activities, maintaining environmental
health is essential for water security, ecological stability and
sustainable development.

1.3 The National Forest Policy mandates that 33 percent of the

geographical area should be under forest cover. As of now,
about 30 percent of the State’s total geographical area is
under forest cover. This includes different kinds of forests
like tropical evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous
forests, dry deciduous forests, shola forests, grasslands,
mangroves and plantations.

1.4 Historically, Kerala society’s high level of environmental

awareness and affinity towards nature have helped in
protecting forests and natural resources.

6
1.5 Like elsewhere in the world, with the onset of modernity, in
Kerala too, the pressure on nature has been increasing day
by day. With unscientific developmental activities leading
to increasing pressure on natural resources, climate change
induced events such as drought, heavy rains and flood have
become a regular phenomenon in Kerala. Soil erosion in
catchment areas, river-bank erosion etc. result in alarmingly
low storage capacity of reservoirs causing floods. This leads
to widespread destruction of life, agriculture, property and
biological wealth.

1.6 Forests and trees are the prime repository of carbon. The
rich and resplendent biodiversity, high water availability
and geographical peculiarities of the forests of the Western
Ghats play a significant role in increasing carbon storage
and hence ameliorate global warming. Good management
and restoration of forests augment carbon sequestration. In
fact, each Panchayat/ Municipality/ Corporation in Kerala
need to become ‘carbon-neutral’.

7
1.7 The ecological health of existing forests has deteriorated
due to various reasons. As part of facilitating rapid
industrialization, between 1950s and 1980s, the State’s
rich natural forests were cleared for exotic monoculture
plantations like Eucalyptus, Acacia, Mangium, Wattle etc.
As of now, there are around 27,000 Ha of exotic monoculture
plantations and 90,000 Ha of Teak plantations in the forests
of Kerala. To ensure the ecological and hydrological security
of the State, it is imperative that ecorestoration programmes
are taken up with the participation of forest-dependent
communities which is the need of the hour.

1.8 In addition to this, the proliferation of invasive species that

are not suitable for our environment has also led to depletion
of natural forests. The depleted habitats are also forcing wild
animals to stray out to human habitations and farmlands
for food and forage, thus reportedly compounding human
wildlife conflict. Studies have shown that invasive flora and
fauna have caused serious damages to natural habitats and
ecosystems. Eradicating such invasive species that harm the
environment is of high priority.

8
1.9 Collection of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) is the
primary livelihood and source of income for the tribal
communities living in and around the forests of Kerala.
Depletion of forests adversely affect the life and livelihood
of tribal communities who solely depend on forests for
their sustenance. Historical role of tribal communities in
forest protection should be further strengthened. They
should also be provided with basic amenities, which are eco-
friendly. Involving tribal communities as equal partners in
forest conservation should be done with proper planning
and accorded due importance.

1.10 Not only the forests but the land-use pattern in non-forest
areas too have a major role in ensuring the environmental,
ecological and hydrological security of Kerala. In the
beginning of the 20th century, Kerala had around 700 sq
km of mangroves. This has now been reduced to an area of
just 24 sq km. Mangroves are necessary for the stability of
seashores, for prevention of coastal erosion and breeding of
fish.

9
1.11 Climate induced cyclones and coastal erosion have become
a recurrent threat to Kerala coast. Coastal protection is
extremely crucial for the peaceful life and livelihood of
millions of people who live along the coast. Establishing
‘Bio-shield’ to ensure coastal protection gains significance
in this context and steps will be taken to implement the
same in association with the State Departments of Water
Resources, Local Self Government and Forests, apart from
local bodies.

1.12 Similarly, wetlands, river banks and sacred groves in non-

forest areas are rich zones of biodiversity and play crucial
role in ecological processes. Unscientific developmental
activities have adversely affected these areas. By protecting
and restoring them, improved ecological services can be
ensured.

1.13 Kerala is a State which has been effectively carrying out

wildlife conservation activities in the forests including
Protected Areas. Along with this, conservation in diverse
habitats outside the forests should also be carried out more
effectively. Participation of other government institutions,
private establishments, students, local self government
institutions and civil society will add value to this activity.
Moreover, creating environmental awareness among the
public, especially students is also essential.

1.14 Co-ordination of various land-use activities is essential to

achieve the ecological stability of the State which consists
of varied geographical entities. This mega-initiative will be
possible only through the collective efforts of people from
all walks of life and different Government Departments.

10
 2
The Approach
For the sustainable development of Kerala that is spread over an
area of 38,863 sq km, the Government envisages ecorestoration
programmes in the State. As part of this, the Government plans to
implement the following projects on a priority basis.

2.1 The forest areas which have lost its splendour and
biodiversity will be taken up for ecorestoration and the
activities will be carried out through civil society. Apart
from ensuring ecological and hydrological security, this
will provide employment opportunities for the local forest-
dependent people.

2.2 Exotic monoculture plantations of Eucalyptus, Acacia and

Wattle, which are not suitable to the environment and
habitats and have become irrelevant will be eradicated in
a phased manner to facilitate restoration of these areas
to natural forests. This gains significance in the backdrop
of frequent natural disasters and increasing incidents of
human-wildlife conflict. This mammoth programme, to
be implemented in an area of about 27,000 Ha will be
completed over two decades.
12
2.3 Focusing on soil and moisture conservation, those Teak
plantations owned by the Government, which are either
failed or showing poor growth, because of unfavourable
climate/poor soil fertility, and those located in wildlife
corridors, in disaster-prone areas or along river-banks will
be restored as natural forests. This will be implemented,
after assessing the status of existing habitats and concerns
of the forest-dependent communities.

2.4 Steps will be taken to remove those species which are posing
threat to biodiversity. These include plants like Lantana,
Mikenia and Senna apart from exotic fauna like African
snail and African mushi, which are not suitable for our
habitats. Along with this, efforts will be taken to conserve
our native species.

2.5 One of the main causative factors for the degradation of

forests and loss of biodiversity is forest fire. With improved
fire-fighting techniques and participation of local forest-
dependent communities, forest fire will be kept under
control.
13
2.6 Steps will be taken, on a priority basis, to equip Forest
Department with modern facilities so that early warnings
on probable disasters in deep interior forest areas are
received and mitigation measures taken in time.

2.7 To ensure the upliftment of forest-dependent tribals

and to create suitable livelihood opportunities for them,
steps will be taken to provide modern education, basic
infrastructure and also their participation will be ensured
in forest conservation and afforestation activities. Taking
into account the ecological services provided by the forests
and to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and as a measure to
reduce natural calamities, based on their willingness and as
per laws and rules in vogue, they shall be relocated to other
places.

2.8 Sustainable collection, value addition and marketing of

NTFPs will be carried out with the help of tribal communities.
The possibilities of Participatory Forest Management and

14
 the Forest Rights Act, 2006 will be explored for this. This
could create more employment opportunities for the forest-
dependent tribal communities.

2.9 The flora and fauna which are on the verge of extinction
due to over-exploitation and degradation of habitats will be
identified and steps will be taken to ensure their regeneration
and conservation. This could help retain the rich biodiversity
and ensure better ecological services in future.

2.10 Considering the ecological services that forests provide, and

to ensure wildlife protection and to reduce human-wildlife
conflict, steps will be taken with the consent of the land
owners, to take over the private properties/estates which
are located either adjacent to forest areas or are surrounded
by forests, after providing eligible compensation and these
areas will be restored as natural forests. This will ensure
connectivity between fragmented forest patches, movement
of wildlife and will help in reducing human-wildlife conflict.

15
2.11 To ensure better habitat and food security for wild animals,
suitable indigenous plants (eg: wild mango, wild gooseberry
and wild jackfruit) will be planted. Along with this, in
water-scarce areas, availability of water shall be ensured by
constructing check dams and ponds in forest areas.

2.12 Steps will be taken to acquire and restore mangroves of

ecological importance with the consent of owners after
providing eligible compensation. Along with this, with the
support of the local bodies, consent of owners and people’s
participation, steps will be taken to protect special habitats
outside the forests like sacred groves, wetlands and riverine
forests.

2.13 Suitable steps will be taken with the participation of local

residents and local bodies for the protection of rivers, ocean,
coastal areas and conservation of biodiversity in marine and

16
 riverine ecosystems. This will help improve the livelihoods of
coastal people and will also improve agricultural production
along river banks.

2.14 Planting trees in private land will be promoted so as to

increase the tree cover outside forest areas which inturn
would increase the carbon sequestration and reduce
dependency on forests. Good quality seedlings will be
produced and distributed for this purpose in consultation
with the Departments concerned and steps will be taken for
bringing out necessary legislation for cutting and utilising
the trees planted by farmers and lease-holders.

2.15 For those species which are grown for wood and other purposes
like Teak, Rosewood, Sandalwood etc., scientific management
techniques will be ensured so as to improve productivity.
Modern scientific technology will be utilized for this.

17
2.16 Modern scientific measures that are contemporary and
effective will be adopted for afforestation and plantation
management activities. A conducive environment for the
flawless implementation of this shall also be created.

18
 3
Methodology
Successful implementation of the above-mentioned comprehensive
ecological approach is highly essential for building a “Navakeralam”
(New Kerala). The above-said activities which are foundational to
the ecological security of the State can be achieved through the
action plan given below.

3.1 To protect the forests, using modern scientific methods,

forest boundary demarcation will be completed and cairns
constructed. The forest boundaries will be digitized and
steps will be taken to incorporate the details in revenue
records. This will help prevent encroachment of forest land,
reduce and resolve boundary-related disputes along forest
boundaries.

3.2 To improve and restore the health of existing forests and to

ensure soil and water conservation, the Government-owned
forests which include degraded forests, Acacia/Wattle/
Eucalyptus plantations, existing failed Teak plantations
(after collection of usable teak, if any, subject to Working
Plan prescriptions), those with poor growth, those situated
in animal corridors, natural disaster-prone areas and along

20
 the river-banks will be converted to natural forests in a
phased manner.

3.3 Raw materials from clear-felled commercial plantations

will be given to small-scale forest-based industries in Kerala
for a fair price and 50 percent of this revenue will be
used for ecorestoration activities while the remaining 50
percent will be used for improved management of the Teak
plantations which are retained and for the upliftment of
forest-dependent communities, in addition to modernizing
forest management activities. This will be operated through
a Revolving Fund.

3.4 Plants like Lantana, Mikania and Senna which are not
suitable for our environment and are adversely affecting the
habitats, will be removed on a war-footing, and soil and
water conservation measures shall be taken up so as to aid
the growth of native indigenous plant species.

3.5 Participatory approach of forest management will be followed

for implementing the above activities. Such measures will

21
 improve the employment opportunities of forest-dependent
communities. In addition, these activities will result in
improved ecosystem services to the public at large. The
State Government shall promote and guide all such efforts,
which are led by the forest-dependent communities.

3.6 Uncontrolled forest-fire causes degradation of forests,

thereby leading to loss of biodiversity, water scarcity and
soil erosion. Forest fire prevention measures will be taken
up through participatory forest management initiatives and
by exploring the possibilities of Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

3.7 Basic infrastructure including more Forest Stations, vehicles,

arms and ammunition shall be made available to improve
forest protection activities.

3.8 Through interventions like scientific collection, value

addition and better marketing of NTFPs, livelihood and
employment opportunities for the tribal communities
and thereby forest protection will be ensured. An action
plan will be implemented by exploring the possibility
of synchronizing the principles of Participatory Forest
Management and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 for ensuring
the sustainable availability of NTFPs.

22
3.9 Sacred groves are islets of biodiversity. The State has
thousands of sacred groves, of which, the majority are
under private ownership. Projects to protect such sacred
groves will be encouraged with the participation of public.
Such small forest patches will aid in increased ecosystem
services and create better environmental awareness among
the public.

3.10 There is a need to protect the remaining mangroves in the

State, especially those owned by private individuals and
other Departments. Co-operation and coordination of
the Local Self Government Department and the general
public is highly essential for this. To protect the ecologically
important mangroves, steps will be taken to acquire private-
owned mangroves based on their consent, after paying
eligible compensation. This will help in increasing the forest
area, in addition to the conservation of the fast-declining
mangrove habitats.

3.11 For the Panchayats of Kerala to become “Carbon-Neutral”,

planting of trees is an inevitable step. The services of
Local Self Government Department, Kudumbasree, Vana
Samrakshana Samithies, Eco Development Committees
and Self-Help Groups will be utilized for this purpose. This
will create many more employment opportunities.

23
3.12 For ecorestoration, planting of local indigenous species
based on specificity of each location shall be promoted. In
places with red soil and laterite stones, Irul (Xylia xylocarpa),
Karimaruth (Terminalia tomentosa), Mango tree (Mangifera
indica), Jackfruit tree (Artocarpus hirsutus), Njaaval (Syzygium
cumini), Kanjiram (Strychnos nux-vomica), Athi (Ficus
racemosa), Banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis) and/or other
suitable species will be promoted. In sea shores, trees like
Poovarashu (Thespesia populnea), Vaaka (Albizia lebbeck),
Coconut tree (Cocos nucifera), Veliparuthi (Pergularia
daemia), Noni (Morinda citrifolia), Kudampuli (Garcinia
cambogia) and/or other suitable species will be promoted.
Planting of bamboos, reeds, Nanku (Mesua ferrea), Venkotta
(Lophopetalum wightianum), Vetti (Aporosa lindleyana), Punna
(Calophuyllum ionophyllum), Kara (Elaeocarpus serratus),
Ambazham (Spondias pinnata), Venthekku (Lagerstroemia
microcarpa), Kilimaram (Commiphora caudata), Athi
(Ficus racemosa), Poovam (Schleichera oleosa), Aattuvanchi
(Homonoia riparia) and/or other suitable species will be
promoted along the riverbanks. Trees like Ashoka (Saraca
indica), Aryaveppu (Azadirachta indica), Kudampuli (Garcinia
cambogia), Pathimukham (Caesalpinia sappan), Mandaram
(Bauhinia acuminata), Kanikkonna (Cassia fistula), Bamboo,
Guava (Psidium guajava), Ayani (Artocarpus hirsutus),

24
 Charalpazham (Flacourtia montana), Ebony tree (Diospyros
ebonum), Kudappana (Corypha umbraculifera), Kilinank
and/or other suitable species will be planted in the plains.
When it comes to low-lying marshy lands, Manimaruth
(Lagerstroemia speciosa), Neermaruth (Terminalia arjuna),
Ungu (Pongamia pinnata), Cholavenga (Bischofia javanica),
Njaval (Syzygium cumini), Pambarakumbil (Trewia nudiflora),
Kadamb (Anthocephalus cadamba) and/or other suitable
species will be planted. Similarly in higher altitudes trees like
Mazhukanjiram (Anogeissus latifolia), Rosewood (Dalbergia
latifolia), Kulamav (Persea macrantha), Vaali (Diospyros sp.),
Marotti (Hydnocarpus pentandrus), Vayana (Cinnamomum
malabatrum), Cholappoovam (Dimocarpus longan),
Ooshippazham (Berberis tinctoria), Valiyavellapine (Vateria
indica), Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica), Ennappine (Prioria
pinnata), Kunthirikkam (Canarium strictum), Nirambali
(Nageia wallichiana), Kondappana (Corypha umbraculifera)
and/or other suitable species will be given priority. Steps
will be taken to plant more such plants which are suitable
to each region.

3.13 Effective interventions will be taken up for the protection of

coastal region from erosion. As part of this, with the support
of local people, “Theeravanam” (coastal forests) will be

25
 established by planting those plants which are suitable for
coastal zones. These activities can be carried out with the
participation of local self government institutions through
MGNREGS.

3.14 To prevent soil erosion along the river banks and the
catchment area of reservoirs, suitable species apart from
bamboos and reeds will be planted with the support of
local people. The saplings for this purpose will be raised
and distributed through the MGNREGS and the Social
Forestry wing of the State Forest Department.

3.15 Projects for setting up small forest patches in schools

and cities and planting trees in private properties will be
promoted, and this will be expanded in association with the
State Education and Local Self-Government Departments.

3.16 Long-term research projects will be taken up to assess

ecosystem services. Modern training facilities shall be
ensured for human resource development. Suitable
action plans will be implemented to create environmental
awareness.

26
 4
Summary
4.1 Aimed at environmental protection, the previous
Government had brought out a White Paper on
environment. It had brought out different environmental
issues existing in different parts of the State. Aligning to the
broad framework of the White Paper, this policy document
presents a general view on how forests and allied sectors can
be conserved.

4.2 The ecological issues resulting from the over-exploitation

of natural resources and depletion of habitats is critically
affecting the quality of human life. A healthy and natural
environment is the key to sustainable economic growth
and a sound society. Understanding the fundamental link
between them and acting accordingly will take us close to
sustainable development.

28
4.3 The ecological health of existing forests has diminished due
to various reasons. Hence, it is important to implement
programmes to protect and facilitate conservation and
enrich ecological health, with the participation of the general
public, especially the forest-dependent communities. This
document puts forth the vision and necessary interventions
towards this.

4.4 This policy explains a perspective aimed at removing the

presence of those plant and animal species that pose a threat
to the ecological health of our natural habitats. Along with
that, it also put forward proposals to examine which species
are suitable for each habitat and promote the same.

4.5 This will turn out to be a process through which the species
which are not conducive to our environment/habitat are
removed not only in our forest areas but also in other
habitats as well. At the same time, it will also be an activity
to plant and protect species that are friendly to the habitats.

29
4.6 To ensure sustainable development by ensuring
protection of environment and livelihoods, the State
Forest Department, local Self Government Institutions,
other Government Departments, Non-Government
Organisations, commercial establishments, students, public
and voluntary organisations should come together in a
mutually-complementing manner. In furtherance of this, it
is envisioned to come up with a plan, in association with
partners concerned, for sustainable development based on
eco-restoration.

4.7 Kerala becomes the first State to take up such a large-

scale ecorestoration programme. This will improve major
ecosystem services and job opportunities. The Ecorestoration
Policy, 2021 proposed to be implemented through public
participation, will be a milestone in the history of Kerala.
It also points to the significance of forming a people’s
movement, thereby rallying the masses for ecorestoration
and environmental protection.

4.8 The Policy envisages major social mobilization of the forest-

dwelling communities and the public at large to achieve
forest conservation and environmental protection. The
environmental awareness thus created in the Society will be
passed on to the generations to come thereby paving the
way for protecting Kerala’s forest wealth and it’s ecology.

30
Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department