Current Context: The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a detailed survey of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve to identify encroachments and non-forestry activities.

About

• A UNESCO-designated tropical forest biosphere, known for rich biodiversity and cultural value.
• Part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves since March 2016.
• Location:Situated at the southern end of the Western Ghats,Spread across Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram & Kollam) and Tamil Nadu (Tirunelveli & Kanniyakumari).

Protected Areas:

• Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
• Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (TN)
• Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (TN)
• Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries

Cultural & Tribal Significance:

• Home to the Kani tribe (~30,000 people), known for sustainable living.
• Associated with Hindu mythology (Sage Agastya) and Ayurveda