Executive Summary : | The project aims to support indigenous people in the Western Ghats of Kerala by supporting sustainable enterprises based on unconventional non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as coffee, cocoa, pepper, and wild ginger. The project aims to demonstrate that it is possible to take on stewardship roles for conservation and use forest rights in meaningful ways without jeopardizing the security of forests and the river. The project will focus on reviving millet and tuber crops and encouraging the harvest of forgotten wilds, with the aim of addressing nutrition among these populations. The project will involve skill development trainings, focusing on forgotten foods and medicinal plants, and exploring technology to reduce manual labor and maximize efficiency during value-addition processes. The project will also streamline production and enhance the market potential of traditional and unconventional NTFPs through existing networks and e-commerce platforms. |