Vincent, Salom Gnana Thanga, Jennerjahn, Tim ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1022-5126, Kunjupillai, Soman and Chattopadhyay, Srikumar (2024) Chapter 1 - Ecohydrology of river catchments and coastal backwaters in Kerala, India: An introduction and synthesis. In: Ecohydrology of Kerala. . Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 1-6, 209-221 pp. ISBN 9780323956079 DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-95606-2.00018-8.

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Abstract

The state of Kerala, in the southern tip of India, is unique in terms of its geographical setting and achievements in human development, which are nationally and internationally well acclaimed. Characterized by a tropical equatorial monsoon climate and three well-defined physiographic zones, such as the low-lying coastal area, the mid-lands and the high-land with mountain terrain, the biodiversity and ecosystems of the state are distinct. The Western Ghats, bordering the eastern part of the state, are the provenance source of the majority of the rivers flowing through the state and govern Kerala’s ecologic, economic and social milieu. Despite the importance of ecohydrology in the integrated watershed management of Kerala and its urgent need to restore the degraded ecosystems, studies on the ecohydrology of the state are scanty, as observed from a detailed literature search. This book aims to pool all the isolated studies pertaining to the ecohydrology of the state and explore the gaps in the study, thereby paving the way for further research that will contribute to achieving the related UN SDGs. This book consists of 18 chapters, which cover various aspects of ecohydrology in three sections: (1) Environmental setting and natural control factors, (2) Human activities and their impact on environmental health, and (3) The way forward: Coastal zone management and governance. Through an in-depth analysis of the topics dealt with in each chapter, this book provides the background material for evolving knowledge-based sustainable solutions for some of the sectors addressed in the case of Kerala. Besides, it reemphasizes the importance of regional studies for conservation of ecohydrology, and adds to the global initiatives in pursuing the sustainable development goals.

Document Type:	Book chapter
Programme Area:	PA3
Research affiliation:	Biogeochemistry and Geology > Ecological Biogeochemistry
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-95606-2.00018-8
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2025 08:15
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2025 08:15
URI:	http://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/5667

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