One day workshop on Lives, Livelihoods and Environment of Wayanad

Wayanad is a highland region is nestled amidst the Western Ghats. The region enjoys a unique microclimate, as the district encompasses a high-altitude valley amidst higher hill ranges.

The region once completely forested and devoid of significant human presence, has experienced rapid population growth and development since independence, with the population of the district doubling between 1970 and 2000. As a result of unregulated growth and unsustainable practices, the ecology of the region has been significantly affected over the last few decades. The effect of ecological degradation on local lives and livelihoods is becoming increasingly evident over the past decade. Under the influence of global climate change, the existing vulnerabilities of the region are likely to become worse and the climate risks are likely to become larger.

In this regard PAC and RASTA are undertaking a study to understand the link between environment, livelihoods and governance in the Wayanad region. This study primarily aims at understanding the environment vulnerability of the livelihoods in Wayanad and explores the impact of environmental changes on the livelihoods.

This workshop is a beginning of a series of dialogues between the interveners, players and the communities to bring them together in exploring and understanding the linkage between lives, livelihoods and environment of the region.