The major goal of this programme is to optimize conservation and livelihood benefits of the poor who live in the ‘biodiversity hotspots’ of the Indian peninsular region. Community biodiversity -a vital source for livelihood sustenance to a majority of the poor, particularly the tribal communities, and Rare, Endemic and Threatened (RET) plant diversity, including the medicinal plants are the priority areas of action.

For the last 18 years, a team comprising of scientists, environmental and policy experts, research scholars and community mobilisers are working in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Orissa, in partnership with different governmental and non-governmental institutions in these two sectors.

Major Achievements & Impacts: The MSSRF Biodiversity programme contributed in policy setting and mainstreaming the CBD provisions at national, local and international levels in the area of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods.

	Community Centres and a “C4” approach
	Neglected Underutilized Species (NUS)