The Western Ghats in the Sahyadri range comprises indigenous populations that substantively exist in forestry and farming. Water insecurity, loss of livelihoods, poor access to education and skills training have created intergenerational poverty that threatens the existence of entire communities.  requires a unique approach, as past efforts and substantial investments have yielded only marginal improvements. 

The looming threat of climate change, further puts vulnerable communities at risk of sliding back into poverty, erasing the limited progress made. Given the critical nature of the situation, it necessitates a distinct and innovative approach that thinks outside the box and mitigates interconnected challenges.