The current ‘Development’ paradigm unfortunately do not consider the totality of eco systems which supports lives and livelihoods of people. The engines of ‘Development’ which are motivated by temporary profits disregard just and equitable right over the natural resources. The piece meal approach in managing land without considering the ecosystems of which they are part of it leads to environmental disaster and social conflicts. Living Ecosystems is a programme of Thanal, where it tries to sensitize public and policy makers in land use so as to conserve the eco systems which harbors millions of people and their livelihood. Through policy advocacy and campaign, Thanal contributed for the formulation of Wetland and Paddy land conservation programmes and policies in Kerala. Currently Thanal is following the debates over Western Ghats.
As the world moves toward sustainability, it’s essential that this transformation remains fair and inclusive. Thanal believes in a Just Transition — one that protects ecosystems while also supporting the people whose lives depend on them.
Ecology and Equity, Together
Thanal promotes sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and equitable access to natural resources. The Living Ecosystems programme builds harmony between environmental protection and social justice. No community should be left behind on the journey toward ecological resilience.
Our Key Focus Areas
The Living Ecosystems programme works across three interconnected domains — wetlands and water bodies, forest-fringe communities, and agricultural landscapes. Encroachment, monoculture expansion, and weak policies threaten each of these ecosystems. Short-term gains continue to override long-term ecological health. Thanal brings together scientific understanding, community knowledge, and policy engagement. Together, these build a coherent vision for ecological conservation in Kerala. Central to this vision is Just Transition Kerala — ensuring that the shift toward sustainable land use does not harm the farmers, fisherfolk, and forest communities who depend on these ecosystems.
Wetlands and Paddy Lands — A Battle Worth Winning
Why Wetlands Matter
Kerala’s wetlands and paddy fields regulate floods, recharge groundwater, and sustain rich biodiversity. They are far more than agricultural spaces. Decades of unchecked reclamation have shrunk these ecosystems dramatically. This threatens both food security and climate resilience.
Policy Wins and Ongoing Struggles
Thanal’s advocacy helped shape the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008. This landmark law brought legal protection to vanishing landscapes. But implementation remains a daily struggle. Thanal continues to monitor violations, document losses, and push for stronger enforcement.
Just Transition Kerala in Practice
Protecting wetlands is also a matter of Just Transition in Kerala. Farmers and wetland-dependent communities safeguard these spaces every day. They deserve recognition, support, and real economic alternatives. Conservation must become a viable and dignified choice — not a burden placed on the poorest.