The Weed Warrior: Fighting an Invasive Species to Save an Entire Ecosystem

In 2010, Meera Chandran had a mission: to reclaim her family's 8-acre land in Kerala that had been overrun by Lantana Camara, an invasive weed that threatened to destroy the local ecology. But instead of taking the easy way out and arranging an earthmover to clear the weeds, Meera got to work. She employed manual labor to cut the weed's roots two to three inches below the ground, preventing them from multiplying. As the weeds were successfully removed, native species were planted to restore the land's natural flora.  Meera's work did not stop there. She co-founded the Forest First Samiti, a non-profit dedicated to protecting native plants and restoring degraded lands. Over two years, the Samiti managed to restore one square kilometer of forest land in the Western Ghats with the help of CSR partners. By combining traditional knowledge of local flora and fauna with modern scientific approaches, they were able to bring back endangered, threatened and medicinal plant species.  Meera Chandran's story of reclaiming her family's land from the invasive weed, Lantana Camara, is an inspiring example of how one person can make a significant impact on the environment. Despite facing challenges and obstacles, Meera persevered in her mission to restore the natural balance of the ecosystem through the manual removal of the weeds and planting native of species.  Her efforts have not only led to the conservation of rare and endangered plant species, but also brought back the herbivores that thrive on them. The results of her work are a testament to the positive impact that individuals and organizations can have on the environment, and serve as a reminder of the importance of conservation and restoration efforts.