The WAPRED Research Foundation (Worldwide Association for Preservation and Restoration of Ecological Diversity) was founded in 1996 by Drs Sujata and Anurag Goel. Sujata has a PhD from the Botany Dept of Delhi University and Anurag has grown up and completed his studies (PhD in Molecular Biology) in Toronto, Canada. Together, we left behind the frustrations of academic research and urban living to explore an organic way of life and a more harmonious existence with nature. After extensive travels throughout India, we chose the Kodagu District of Karnataka State (which lies in the heart of the Western Ghats) to establish a natural farm. The unique and most attractive feature of this area is that the local crops such as cardamom and pepper (which are indigenous to the W. Ghats) and coffee (which was introduced) are grown under the shade of rainforest trees. Therefore, much of the biodiversity can be preserved. Most plantations in Kodagu are abundant with birds, reptiles, and a fascinating array of insects. However, heavy use of fertilizers and toxic pesticides pose a threat to the biodiversity of this region. We therefore established the WAPRED Research Foundation to promote ecological awareness and develop sustainable methods of agriculture to help preserve this unique environment. Our major research project is the development and field testing of ecologically friendly botanical pesticides for local crops grown under the shade of rainforest trees.

Our previous research experience in the field of biological sciences includes botany, plant biochemistry, genetics, ecology and molecular biology. More information about us and the WAPRED Research Foundation is available on request. We have lived and worked here for over 10 years and have traveled extensively throughout India as well as Europe and North America. Our scientific expertise and extensive knowledge of this region will provide you valuable insights into the ecology of this region and culture of its people and our hospitality will ensure that you will want to come back again.

Activities of the NGO

Our NGO ( WAPRED) was established in 1996 to raise environmental awareness and develop sustainable means of agriculture for this fragile environment. Until now the major research project has been to develop and field test botanically derived pest control agents and integrate them with both scientific and traditional methods of organic agriculture.  We are now encouraging the local small and marginal farmers to adopt these sustainable techniques and we  have formed an association of local growers (Galibeedu Organic Association). This project was selected for the 1^st prize  award from Ecoclub.com in 2005 and is being implemented by our NGO.  We are providing the members with both material and technical inputs and helping to market their organic produce in order to encourage them and others to adopt sustainable methods. The different crops being produced by the members are coffee, cardamom, tea, paddy (rice) and an assortment of vegetables and fruits.

green tea preparation	making bokashi compost	organic paddy field

Send mail to wapred.india@vsnl.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: May, 2006