In recent developments, the Forest Department has engaged in the procurement of forest produce from tribal communities within and around the Agasthyavanam Biological Park (ABP). This initiative comes as an innovative approach to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown. The department intends to sell this collected produce to commercial establishments and various collectives.
Understanding the Agasthyavanam Biological Park
Established in 1997, the Agasthyavanam Biological Park (ABP) is a wildlife sanctuary nestled in Kerala. The park’s geographical position conveniently places it near Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum), which serves as Kerala’s capital city. ABP shares borders with two vibrant wildlife sanctuaries – Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.
The park takes its name from the Agasthyamalai Agasthyakoodam Peak, visible from the park’s premises.
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve: A Closer Look
Strategically situated at the southernmost part of the Western Ghats, the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve hosts peaks that stand tall at 1,868 meters above sea level. The reserve spans a whopping area of 3,500 square kilometers, housing numerous tropical forest ecosystems. These ecosystems fall under the jurisdiction of the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts in Tamil Nadu and the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts of Kerala.
Exploring the Expanses of the Agasthyavanam Biological Park
Agasthyavanam Biological Park sprawls over a significant area of 23 square kilometers. Out of this, 17.5 square kilometers of the park is set aside for natural regeneration to facilitate the growth of a dense forest. The remaining area of the park is purposefully left for systematic conservation programs.
Biodiversity within the Agasthyavanam Biological Park
The Agasthyavanam Biological Park plays host to rich biodiversity. Its verdant greens are home to an array of endemic medicinal plants, contributing to the region’s unique ecosystem and offering remarkable opportunities for scientific study and conservation.
The Forest Department: Bridging Gaps Between Tribal Communities and Commercial Establishments
In light of recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Forest Department has taken steps to procure forest produce from tribal communities residing in and around the Agasthyavanam Biological Park. This endeavor aims to create a steady flow of income amid the lockdown that has stunted several economic activities.
By collecting the forest produce and selling it to commercial establishments and other groups, the department enables a win-win situation. This initiative not only provides much-needed financial relief to these tribal communities but also supports the continuity of commercial operations to an extent. Further, it promotes the use of natural, raw materials, aligning with a more sustainable and ecologically friendly business model.
