Resilient Landscapes: Community Approaches to Land Restoration in Climate-Vulnerable Hilly Regions: A Case of Nilgiris, India
摘要
Climate change poses significant environmental and socio-economic challenges, particularly in hilly regions characterized by fragile ecosystems and complex topographies. These areas are increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced phenomena such as soil erosion, landslides, and biodiversity loss, which disrupt local livelihoods and degrade natural resources. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events have accelerated land degradation, making hilly areas one of the most climate-sensitive zones. Thus, the urgency for adaptive land restoration practices in these regions cannot be overstated. This chapter focuses on the Nilgiris district in India, a key biodiversity hotspot within the Western Ghats, which exemplifies the broader challenges hilly areas face under the influence of climate change. The region’s delicate ecosystems, including Shola forests and watershed areas, are under immense strain, with climate-induced disasters such as landslides becoming more frequent. Simultaneously, the socio-economic fabric of the region is being tested, as local communities struggle to adapt to the changing environmental conditions. Research evaluates the effectiveness of community-based initiatives in addressing climate change and restoring degraded lands. Strategies such as afforestation, agroforestry, and watershed management have been implemented with varying degrees of success, drawing on traditional knowledge and integrating modern technological tools to enhance land restoration efforts. The study concludes that scaling up these initiatives, supported by robust policy frameworks and technological innovations, offers a sustainable pathway for hilly regions to adapt to climate change and ensure long-term ecological and economic stability.