Western Ghats of India is one of the 34 globally recognized biodiversity hotspots known for its rich diversity of medicinal plant species. Several plant species are becoming globally important due to newfound curative properties. They yield high value metabolites and are threatened globally and endemic to Western Ghats.

Unsustainable harvesting in large volumes by forest contractors through local tribals was found to be one of the reasons for its depletion. Reducing harvest pressure on wild population of ‘red list’ species and promoting viable commercial cultivation with the community and government participation is a huge challenge. The present project involves local collectors in conservation, training them in raising quality planting stock and mass propagation / cultivation.