I am a Member of the Indian Environment Network. I have started a discussion on Mountain biodiversity which did not take off well. But, I have been active in the Western Ghats range of mountains in Tamilnadu addressing the threats to mountain biodiversity and ecosystem. After three years of research in the Western Ghats, I have found that the main threat to mountain ecosystem comes from Invasive Alien Species introduced in the State during the sixties. Climate change has become real and is a great challenge facing our earth. The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka Hotspot is extraordinarily rich in species, especially plants, found nowhere else. However, its forests face tremendous population pressure and have been dramatically impacted by demands for timber and agricultural land. only one-third of the Western Ghats’ natural vegetation remains in pristine condition. Many remaining forests are highly fragmented and face increasing degradation.(www.cepf.net)Invasive alien species like Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata have caused irreparable damage to mountain ecosystem (including Shola forests) in the Western Ghats. As a result, the entire region guarded by this mountain range is facing tremendous pressure today. Erratic monsoons, crop failures, climate variations etc are the results of global warming and climate change in India. India will be the worst affected country, it is predicted by scientists.At present, I am engaged in creating awareness among mountain's indigenous communities and local people on control and management of invasive species to combat climate change with the support of the Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF), Japan. Forest Department is keen in eradicating invasive species from mountains and work closely with our Foundation.I am prepared to discuss the issue since the issue of climate change is looming large over India today. Sustainable solutions can be based on sustainable development approaches, I strongly believe.Comments and views are welcome.S.P. ANANDANThe Western GhatsTamilnadu, Indiafrsdmdu@yahoo.co.in
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