Abstract

Interaction between human beings and natural resources is the core of any development process. An understanding of the reciprocity influences between these two systems is essential for evolving suitable policies for sustainable resource management and eco-restoration. Attappady is an unique area spreading over 700 square kilometer in the south-eastern part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This region has the greatest possible diversity of physical, biological and cultural resources, where one can identify many components of an ideal Biosphere Reserve. Different problems of Attappady area are discussed with notes on general features of the ecosystem of the area, its forests, people, cultivation practices and the present scenario it presents, in the context of it forming part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, very proximal to the core zone, namely Silent Valley