Restoration of agro-ecosystem and its biodiversity

Physical loss of paddy fields  and  the loss of their biodiversity, thanks to the now  infamous “Green Revolution”,  are the major factors affecting the agricultural products, both quantity and quality. SAF proposes to bring back the biodiversity of the agro-ecosystems which alone would ensure food security as well as poison free food. A focussed project with a mission to “make mothers’ milk free of poison”would be one of the slogans of  SAFn. Implementation in letter and spirit of the Organic Farming Policy of the State, launched in 2009   would ensure this blessed dream. SAF would work with the Government, research institutes, Corporate bodiess,  like- minded NGOs and farmers for the same.

Poison free ecologically safe Western Ghats

Another area of major activities of SAF would be the Western Ghats considering its status as one of the 8 ‘hottest hotspots’ of biodiversity in the world, the role it plays as a ‘water tank’ of the States through which it passes and in making the rivers alive. Concerted efforts will be taken to help ensure that no pesticides are used and the entire activities in the Western Ghats follow green technology as recommended by the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel.

 

Wetlands – their conservation and sustainable use

Conservation of wetlands has not yet received the importance that it deserves. As a result they disappear at an alarming rate in most parts of the country leading to acute water scarcity. The State of Kerala alone has lost 6, 05,486 ha of wetlands during 2004 to 2011 and 5, 66,000 ha of paddy lands since 1975, making a total of 11, 71,486 ha. This is mainly because; the economic potentials of wetlands are not fully realized and harnessed for the benefit of the people. This is possible without compromising the biodiversity values of wetlands. This was demonstrated in the Kole wetlands of Veliamkod Panchayath by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board when it was lead by the Chairman, SAF. SAF proposes to continue on this.

Wetland Register

SAF proposes to help create a register for the wetlands of each Panchayath. Each wetland should be given a number, with its approximate size, location, peculiarities, ownership and other details. This would be done with the participation of the school teachers, students and voluntary organisations. The Register will be kept at the Panchayath and it would be responsible for the protection of the wetlands in its jurisdiction. A beginning will be made soon in the Kodungallur constituency where the MLA, Shri. T. N. Pratapan has shown keen interest in the idea.

Environmental contamination

Our life support systems in most parts of the country are contaminated beyond tolerable limits, mainly because of the indiscriminate use of pesticides and untreated effluents from industries. A recent study shows that not even one of the 170 wetlands studied from 14 states in the country is free from pesticides and heavy metal contamination.

We intend to take up site specific projects in collaboration with established, reliable laboratories and make the results known to the public to create awareness. Apart from doing original work, focus would equally be on creating awareness among the public on environmental contamination, especially contamination of food materials.

Ecological economics

There is an urgent need to evaluate and project the intangible benefits of ecosystems and species. At least a gross estimate is to be made for each state of the country in such a manner that the values of ecosystems in terms of money could be made available to the decision makers when they contemplate to replace/damage them in the name of “development project”. For instance, the ecosystem service values of the proposed Aranmula Airport area (about 3500 acres) is estimated at 447 crores/year.  This has to be matched with the benefits that the local people would get if the project comes through. Such a study would immensely help the decision makers.

 

Sustainable development

The inevitable need of sustainable development for our own survival has to go well down into the minds and brains of those who are involved in decision making, from legislatures and bureaucrats down to the Gram Panchayaths and Grama Sabhas. The SAF defines development as to “ensure every citizen clean air, clean water, clean food, a house to dwell, hygienic surroundings, medical and education facilities – the basic minimum requirements of a citizen”.  SAF will work with the local Panchayaths from its plan formulation stage itself for introducing various development projects without destroying the forests, reclaiming the wetlands, devastating the hills and without polluting the environment; totally a green development.

It is high time that economists redefine their age old definition of GDP from Gross Domestic Products to Gross Domestic Peace as has been followed in Bhutan. SAF believes that while economic evaluation of ecosystems is a must,   creating ecological sensitivities in traditional economists is equally important

Model Panchayath

SAF has taken up one Panchayath to demonstrate how a Panchayath could develop with least damage to its environment and biodiversity ensuring a healthy population.  Organic farming, sustainable utilisation of wetland resources, poultry with native varieties, animal husbandry with local breeds, bio gas for cooking and street light, water harvesting systems, solar energy, cottage industries which are non-polluting  and, many other locally feasible eco-friendly income generating projects would  be tried. Most of these, whichever possible, will be made part of the Panchayath plan and those components come outside it, would seek other source of funding.  The project was launched in August 2014 with funding support from the CSR fund of Manappuram Foundation.

Urban biodiversity

There is a greater need for making the urban human habitats greener, healthier and more live. The SAF proposes to work with the Corporations and Municipalities, Corporate bodies, like- minded NGOs, housing colonies and societies to make the living surroundings greener and productive.

A “home bird sanctuary” for individual houses and “mini bird sanctuary” for the public, school and college gardens are being pursued. SAF will provide consultancy and also help establish the same.

Environmental Impact Assessment

SAF would undertake EIA for any major projects such as industries, river valley projects and forestry operations or any activities that would affect the biodiversity and environment.

Monitoring avian communities

SAF will conduct regular monitoring of bird communities in select habitats, representing wetlands, forests, shola forests, mangroves and agro-ecosystems. The results from such studies will help evaluate the changes in the respective habitat structure and integrity.

Advocacy and awareness creation

One of the major objectives of SAF is to inculcate and increase awareness of nature, biodiversity, farming and the contemporary environmental issues from laymen to students, politicians, bureaucrats and judiciary. Talks on these issues are being delivered at the gatherings of farmers, social workers, educational institutions, professional bodies, political meetings and religious congregations. It is also proposed to start a short-term course on ornithology and ecology for students.

General approach

To achieve the main mission of the SAF, it would work with governmental agencies, various NGOs, Corporate bodies, known experts, research organisations, farmers and all those who wish welfare of the people. In all projects of SAF, public participation will be ensured.

Student Programmes

SAF proposes to train students through various projects and encourage them to do higher studies in the field of ornithology, ecology and conservation.

 
A brochure of the Salim Ali Foundation is here

The Annual Report of the Foundation for 2016-2017 is attached here SAF Annual report 2016- 2017