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KFRI likely to get funds for hill study

It is likely to get a grant of about Rs 1 crore
THRISSUR: The Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, is likely to get a grant of about Rs 1 cr for taking up a study on the various aspects of the High Range landscape.
The project funded by UNDP-GEF, aims at contributing to the sustainable governance of the biological diversity of the area by mainstreaming conservation considerations into production activities in the mountain landscapes.
According to Dr P.S. Easa, Director, KFRI, this is also for sustainable livelihoods, addressing retrogressive factors including the impacts of climate change. The expected outcomes are effective governance framework for multiple-use mountain landscape management and strengthening the community-based sustainable use of the natural resources by ensuring ecological integrity.
The High Ranges are an important and integral part of the Western Ghats with 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 of the landscape. The seven research projects will generate information on the mountain landscape ecosystems, the history of the landscape, tourism capacity, fishes and livelihood improvement, cardamom cultivation practices and invasives”, says Dr Easa.
These studies would be used for planning better governance strategies involving local self governments. Ten scientists are involved in the year-long multidisciplinary project. The team led by the Dr Easa presented the details of the projects before a committee headed by Addl Chief Secretary, Forests, forest officials and UNDP representatives.
( Source : dc )
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