Mapping Stories, Mapping Resilience: My PhD Journey in the Western Ghats

 I’m honored to have been featured in MeanPepperVine journal, with deep gratitude to Amita Basu and the editorial team for this opportunity to share my PhD journey.

My research has taken me deep into the heart of the Western Ghats, exploring how forest fringe communities interact with ecosystem services to navigate climate risks. Through this journey, I’ve uncovered not just ecological patterns but also human resilience—how traditional knowledge shapes conservation, how policy impacts livelihoods, and how the landscape tells stories beyond maps and data.

In this article, I reflect on the challenges of fieldwork, the ethical dilemmas of working with indigenous communities, and the urgent need to bridge scientific research with grassroots voices. I also discuss how geospatial tools and participatory approaches can transform conservation efforts.

Curious to know more? Read the full piece here: https://meanpeppervine.com/interviews-kavana-r/