Developing a sustainable socio economy through the restoration of sacred groves of the Malaiyali community in the Kalrayan hills of South India

Overview

The sacred groves of Kalrayan hills are a socio-ecological production landscape (SEPLS), a known repository of valuable flora. Rapid modernisation has impacted religious beliefs and social values, which have led to unfettered human interference, causing the depletion of sacred groves. It is now vital to conserve and restore these resources in cooperation with the residing Malaiyali tribal community. A collective approach was taken in collaboration with the Malaiyali community to rejuvenate the sacred groves of Kalrayan Hills. The study area encompassed 10 villages in the Kalrayan Hills, renowned for their sacred groves and biodiversity. Primarily, the medicinal plants of the reserved area were mapped and documented. Surveys were carried out to gain an understanding of the traditional approaches adopted by the elderly community to protect sacred groves and the current challenges faced by the sacred groves and the medicinal plants. This study also gave insights into the use of valuable medicinal resources and practices followed by the community. Based on the findings, the in vitro cultures of the plants were established for their conservation. Restoration of the sacred groves was achieved by developing community resilience among the tribal groups through awareness classes on the protection of sacred groves and their sustainable utilisation. As part of the initiative, ‘Vrikshavalli’ of threatened plants was established in the study area in cooperation with the community to protect and cultivate the significance of natural resources among the tribal groups. Furthermore, training modules were developed from the outcomes of the project for conservation of the sacred groves, and will be used as resource material for conservation biologists. The collective approach adopted in collaboration with the Malaiyali community significantly impacted the conservation of sacred groves and aided the sustainable development of the community.
This project aims to map, study and document the threatened flora of selected groves along with their medicinal value. The current project also aims to integrate traditional ecological knowledge and modern science by developing in-vitro conservation protocols and reinstating conventional in-situ conservation practices. A varied approach has been developed to restore sacred groves and to create a community in harmony with nature. A sustainable socio-economy approach will also be implemented in the local community for the utilization of medicinal plants. The establishment of a water shed system and compost will restore sacred groves and livelihood of Malaiyali community.

Key achievements

The profound knowledge of the conservation practices and traditional ritual practices employed by the local community is studied and documented. GIS mapping of threatened plants and their medicinal uses was reported. A detailed protocol for in vitro conservation was established in the tissue culture facilities provided by the VIT. The restoration and maintenance of selected sacred groves, and the utilisation of these SELPS in collaboration with the local community improved community resilience. A garden of medicinal plants named Vrikshavalli was established in cooperation with the tribal community. Awareness and knowledge were enhanced among the local community about the utilisation of medicinal plants through training programmes. These activities aided the socio-economic development of the community by opening a sustainable source of revenue. The training programmes and awareness classes improved community cohesion, social harmony and affinity towards nature, along with the economic development of society. Training modules were developed that can be used as a reference for the conservation of sacred groves.

Lessons

Sacred groves are veritable sanctuaries of endemic and rare medicinal plants. Proper documentation, by way of in vitro and in situ conservation approaches, can aid in the safeguarding of these valuable resources. The project underscored the significance of Community-Based Approaches in the rejuvenation and conservation of Sacred Groves. We also understood the necessity of documenting Traditional Ethnobotanical Knowledge (TEK) rooted in sacred groves. It should be noted that the Kalrayan hills are underdeveloped regions with poor socio-economic status, and some of the villages lack even fundamental amenities. Hence, a collective approach supported by legal authorities can aid the development of the community in Kalrayan hills.

• The conservation of natural repositories like sacred groves and their traditional ethnobotanical knowledge is obligatory for a green, sustainable socio-economic development.