‘Jeevadhara’ puts down roots in Kannur and strives to preserve 100 rare tree species of the Western Ghats

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An ambitious effort to conserve 100 rare and endangered tree species of the Western Ghats, restore degraded habitats and protect local water resources has taken root in Kannur district with the launch of the Jeevadhara Conservation Project.

A three-year initiative led by the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) with support from the TCS Foundation aims to restore 250 acres of ecologically important landscape at five locations in north Kerala. Alongside this is running ‘Neeralam’, a water conservation campaign launched by Iritty block panchayat, which seeks to address the growing concern over the degradation of natural water resources.

The two initiatives seek to address interconnected environmental challenges at a time when the Irrita region is experiencing habitat degradation, native vegetation disappearing and watercourse availability decreasing.

Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph, who recently inaugurated the Jeevadhara project at the Mundiyaparamba Devi temple in Ayyankunnu panchayat, highlighted the relationship between biodiversity conservation and water security. He called for concerted efforts to protect ecologically sensitive areas, including sacred groves, forests, wetlands and riverbanks, which play a vital role in protecting native species, maintaining ecological balance and sustaining water resources.

C. Thampan, Area Director, MSSRF, told The Hindu that the three-year initiative adopts a landscape approach to conservation that goes beyond protecting individual trees to restore habitats that support endangered species. Centered at the MS Swaminathan Botanical Garden, the program will operate through a hub-and-spoke model that combines scientific knowledge with conservation interventions at various sites.

He said his main aim is to preserve the 100 rare and endangered tree species of the Western Ghats. Jeevadhara will pay special attention to the conservation of native and endangered trees in sacred groves, pristine forests and other ecologically significant sites. Restoration of degraded habitats and enhancement of native vegetation is expected to contribute to the wider ecological restoration of the Western Ghats, he added.

Mr. Thampan said the restoration program will cover 250 acres in Wayanad, Malappuram and Kannur districts.

“The five landscape restoration plan includes 80 acres of forest land and sacred groves, 60 acres of coffee farms and 30 acres of institutional gardens. An important objective is to improve the conservation status of 50 red-listed species and help them achieve green-listed status,” he said.

The project also expects to generate 22,844 verified Verra carbon units over 25 years, linking the restoration of natural ecosystems with long-term climate benefits.

Protection combines with water security

Convergence of Jeevadhara with Neeralam, included in Iritty block panchayat annual plan 2026-27, brings another critical dimension to this initiative.

The campaign recognizes that protecting native vegetation is closely linked to the health of local water systems. Native trees and healthy ecosystems help conserve land, facilitate groundwater recharge, and maintain streams and wetlands.

By integrating biodiversity conservation and water management into a common framework, the initiatives aim to support ecological restoration at the landscape level through the participation of local governments, scientific institutions and communities.

Published – 13 Nov 2026 20:59 IST