The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s 36 recognized biodiversity hotspots, spans six Indian states: Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. This 1,600-km mountain range hosts over 4,500 species of vascular plants, with approximately 2,250 (26%) being endemic.
These plant genetic resources (PGRs) include wild relatives and landraces of important food and commercial crops such as rice (Oryza spp.), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), banana (Musa spp.), black pepper (Piper nigrum), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and tuber crops like yams (Dioscorea spp.). These genetic resources harbor traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, and nutritional enhancements, making them vital for food and nutritional security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. Recent studies highlight that the Western Ghats is one of the major repositories of medicinal plants that harbours around 4,000 species of higher plants of which 450 species are considered threatened.
Additionally, the region sustains the livelihoods of over 50 million people, including indigenous communities like the Kadar, Kanis and Soligas, who possess extensive traditional knowledge of plant genetic resources (PGR). Traditional farming systems in the region maintain diverse landraces and cultivars adapted to local agro-climatic conditions.
Threats and Challenges: The region faces severe threats: habitat loss due to deforestation (25.6% forest cover loss since 1985), invasive species (e.g., Lantana camara), climate change-induced shifts in species ranges, and overexploitation. The loss of traditional knowledge, driven by urbanization and cultural erosion, further exacerbates these challenges.
Global and National Policy: Global frameworks like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the FAO’s Global Plan of Action for PGR emphasize the need for integrated conservation and sustainable use of PGR. India’s National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA) provide policy support.
Economic Context: The Western Ghats’ PGRs are under unprecedented threat. Recent data indicate that 15% of the region’s endemic plant species are threatened with extinction, and climate models predict 20–30% reduction in suitable habitats for key species by 2050. The global nutraceuticals market size was estimated at USD 391.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2025 to 2030. The global market for plant-based nutraceuticals is projected to reach $60 billion by 2030.
Symposium Goal: A symposium is essential to bridge gaps by uniting scientists, policymakers, and local stakeholders including students. The goal is to transform the Western Ghats from a biodiversity hotspot into a resilient bioresource hub that supports sustainable livelihoods, PGR conservation, and climate adaptation. This symposium will align with India’s commitments to the CBD’s Aichi Targets and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 8, and 15).