Biodiversity Project in the Western Ghats, Southern India
2025
Biodiversity Award
Winner
Rajamalai Institute
Designers / Creators / Authors / Leaders
Ahuja Group
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most significant biodiversity hotspots in the world. However, for many years, intensive tea cultivation has dominated the landscape, leading to a decline in native flora and fauna. In response to this challenge, a new biodiversity project has been initiated to restore and enhance the ecological balance of the region.
The primary goal of this project is to advance biodiversity by promoting the regeneration of native plant species and improving habitat conditions for wildlife. The project focuses on reducing the environmental impact of monoculture tea plantations and creating corridors that allow indigenous species to thrive once again.
A key scientific measure of success for the project is the resurgence of the wild saffron plant (Crocus sativus), which had become scarce due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. The presence of wild saffron in the forest areas serves as an indicator of ecological recovery, as it signifies the return of suitable soil and climatic conditions required for native flora to prosper.
By using wild saffron as a scientific yardstick, the project provides a measurable way to assess its success and ensure the long-term sustainability of the area’s rich natural heritage.
