The Hidden Cost of Environmental Protection: How Kerala’s Farmers Are Being Sacrificed for the Sake of Green Policies

Kerala, once a land where human habitation flourished amidst rich biodiversity, is now witnessing a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Wildlife encroachment has reached alarming levels, making it nearly impossible for people to live safely in many parts of the state. The silence of our leaders and representatives in the face of these tragedies is deafening. As wild animals wreak havoc on human lives and livelihoods, questions arise: Why do our rulers seem to favor wildlife over the very people who elected them? What is driving this newfound “love” for nature among our leaders?

Wildlife Encroachment: A Growing Crisis

The encroachment of wildlife into human settlements has reached a critical point in Kerala. Reports of attacks by wild buffaloes, wildebeests, tigers, and other animals are increasingly common, yet there is little to no response from those in power. Even when people lose their lives, the response is often lukewarm at best. Instead of addressing these issues, vast tracts of land—often belonging to tribals and local farmers—are being declared as protected forests, effectively seizing these lands and converting them into wildlife sanctuaries.

This trend raises serious concerns. How can we expect human habitation to thrive when every step taken by the government seems to favor the expansion of forests and wildlife habitats at the expense of people? Why is there such a strong emphasis on afforestation when it comes at the cost of displacing entire communities?

The Global Environmental Agenda and Its Local Impact

The roots of this problem can be traced back to global environmental policies, particularly those aimed at curbing climate change. Environmental scientists have long warned that the world is on the brink of disaster due to the rapid industrialization of developed nations. The increase in greenhouse gas emissions has been unprecedented, leading to international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol, which was signed by 191 countries on December 11, 1997.

The Kyoto Protocol set the stage for what is now known as the carbon trade. Countries and industries were required to reduce their carbon emissions, and those unable to do so were forced to either produce the equivalent amount of oxygen or pay for it by investing in forests elsewhere. This led to a scramble for green spaces around the world, with industrialized nations pouring money into countries rich in forests, like India.

The Carbon Trade: A Double-Edged Sword

In India, the Western Ghats have become a prime commodity in the global carbon trade. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) plays a key role as an intermediary in this trade. Under the guise of environmental protection, projects like the Green India Mission and various forest conservation initiatives have been launched, often funded by international organizations as part of the carbon trade.

While these projects are touted as environmentally beneficial, the reality on the ground is far more complex. Foreign funds come with strings attached, forcing local governments to implement projects that may not always align with the needs of the local population. What is happening, in essence, is a form of forest land trade, where large corporations and developed nations lease or maintain forests in exchange for carbon credits.

This has turned environmental protection into a multi-crore business, where corruption, middlemen, and financial exploitation are rampant. As a result, the rulers and representatives of our country, motivated by the allure of foreign funds, have become vocal advocates for wildlife and forest conservation, often at the expense of the people they are supposed to serve.

The Impact on Kerala’s Farmers

The impact of these policies is felt most acutely by the farmers and rural communities of Kerala. As more land is converted into forests, farmers are being pushed off their ancestral lands. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, passed by the Indian Parliament, further exacerbates this situation by making it easier for land to be classified as forest and used for non-forest purposes without the permission of the Forest Department.

This law has thrown the Kerala State Forest Department into disarray, as it undermines their authority and empowers the central government to facilitate the carbon trade. The IFS lobby, which has long been accused of colluding with foreign interests, is now facing a significant setback. However, this comes at a great cost to the farmers who are losing their land and livelihoods.

The Role of Foreign Funds in Forest Conservation

Over the past two decades, India has received a significant influx of foreign funds for forest conservation. Between 2000 and 2023, nearly $1.65 billion in foreign aid was received for various forestry projects. These funds, provided by organizations like the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), the Norwegian International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI), and the World Bank, have been used to implement projects that often prioritize wildlife over people.

For example, the funds have been used to create buffer zones, wildlife corridors, and increase the population of wild animals in forests. While these measures may be beneficial from an environmental perspective, they have led to increased human-wildlife conflict and have displaced countless farmers from their land.

Based on the figures you provided, the total amount of carbon credit funds received by India for forestry and related environmental conservation projects in the last 10 years can be summarized as follows:(Prepared based on available information and subject to change)

German Development Cooperation (GIZ): $200 million USD
Norwegian International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI): $150 million USD
World Bank and ADB: $100 million USD
Various Forest Conservation and Management Projects: $500 million USD
Global Environment Facility (GEF): $300 million USD
Bilateral Agreements and International Assistance (e.g., Japan, UK, international NGOs): $400 million USD
Total Carbon Credit Funds Received Over the Last 10 Years:
$1.65 billion USD

This amount reflects the total foreign funding allocated to India for afforestation, forest conservation, sustainable land use, and other related environmental initiatives over the past decade.

These figures also align with the broader context of foreign aid received between 2000 and 2023, which totals approximately $1.65 billion USD, and the expected range of foreign funding over the next 10 years, which is projected to be between $900 million to $1.9 billion USD. This highlights the substantial financial support directed towards environmental conservation in India, particularly in areas like the Western Ghats and other forest-rich regions.

Conclusion: A Call for Balance

As we reflect on the current state of environmental protection in Kerala, it is clear that a balance must be struck between the needs of the environment and the rights of the people. While protecting our forests and wildlife is undoubtedly important, it should not come at the cost of human lives and livelihoods.

The time has come for our leaders to reassess their priorities and ensure that the benefits of environmental protection are shared equitably. The voices of farmers, tribals, and rural communities must be heard, and their rights must be protected. Only then can we achieve a truly sustainable and just future for all.