The Worldwide Association for Preservation and Restoration of Ecological Diversity (WAPRED) is an environmental NGO which aims to promote ecological awareness and develop sustainable methods of agriculture within the Western Ghats region of India. Based in the Coorg district of Karnataka state, WAPRED has been active since 1994.

Organic Pest Control

Until now, our major research activities have focused on the development of botanically-derived pest control agents. Supported by a grant from National Geographic, we developed an organic repellent to reduce the impact of Conogethes punctiferalis (Stem-borer moth), an insect pest which has ravaged cardamom plantations in this region. By utilizing the chemical properties of several local weeds (e.g. Lobelia nicotinaefolia, wild tobacco; lantana sp., an invasive perennial), we created a decoction that targeted many metabolic processes at once, reducing the negative effects of the stem-borer on our plantation.

Before the insects were able to develop a resistance to our strong repellent, we had ample time to restore a trophic balance in our ecosystem - boosting predator populations by restoring habitats on our property. Today, our ecosystem supports high numbers of predators (birds, frogs, dragonflies, spiders, etc.), which keeps the insect pests in check naturally. Today, we no longer need to use our organic repellents.

Encouraging Cooperatives

Our current development initiatives are focused on building bridges within our farming community. We are looking into new marketing options for local farmers and building an economic case for the adoption of sustainable methods.

In 2007, we joined forces with other organic farmers in Kodagu district, forming the Organic Association of Kodagu (OAK).

Biodiversity Research

We are in the process of designing a research project to examine how agricultural methods (organic vs. conventional/chemical) affect biodiversity levels. Our study will focus on our local ecosystem, in the farms surrounding Galibeedu and Kaloor villages.