Hosted By: Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal
Wild Treasures of Kodaikanal
Sponsored By: Tamilnadu State Council for Science and Technology, Chennai
Benefits of wearing Eucalyptus jewellery
Adorning oneself with eucalyptus jewellery transcends mere accessorizing; it embodies a holistic embrace of nature’s therapeutic wonders. Each piece, delicately crafted from eucalyptus fruits, not only exudes timeless elegance but also bestows a myriad of benefits upon the wearer. From its subtle, healing fragrance that soothes the senses to its inherent antimicrobial properties that promote skin health, eucalyptus jewellery offers a harmonious fusion of beauty and wellness. Additionally, the sustainable nature of eucalyptus cultivation ensures that wearing these exquisite pieces not only enhances personal style but also contributes to environmental conservation. Indulge in the enchanting allure of eucalyptus jewellery and embark on a journey of natural elegance and well-being.
Why eucalyptus?
Eucalyptus trees are an invasive species that have been known to create numerous problems for native flora and fauna. The tree native to Australia was introduced by British planters over 80 years ago in Kodaikanal. The settlers, assuming the grasslands to be separate from the forest, planted a large number of their plantations on grasslands. The consequences of which are experienced till today. The leaves and roots of eucalyptus trees inhibit other plants from growing under them due to naturally occurring chemicals, the roots of the tree spread up to 100 feet and are known to affect the water table negatively, the tree is extremely problematic during fires due to its inflammable nature and naturally occurring oils apart from this the trees leaves and seeds are not consumed by any animal in India.
A brief history of eucalyptus:
Eucalyptus as a plantation tree was introduced by the British in the mid-19th century for industrial and domestic uses. The British during this period had no scientific method for maintaining plantations; thus, German foresters were invited. They taught us that an ideal forest was an even-aged forest, cut by rotation, with only trees that belong to ‘needed’ species, with everything else removed as undesirable. It is this plantation mindset that resulted in large-scale damage to our mixed forests, and in multiple ways, we still have not been able to elude the worst parts of thinking of forests as commercial plantations. In India, we owe our forestry plantation system to German foresters who first instituted the forest department and its policies in India and Burma.
At present:
Kodaikanal in 2013 was declared a wildlife sanctuary to preserve the biodiversity and various species endemic to the Western Ghats region; the forest department, recognising the problem at hand, promptly put an end to planting all exotic species of trees, including eucalyptus trees.
Our role:
The eucalyptus crisis demands a joint approach, as the widespread impact of this invasive species require coordinated efforts for effective management. Collaboration at the grassroots ensures that community-led solutions are sustainable. Our efforts are centred around addressing the natural habitats by collecting eucalyptus seeds and working with community-led enterprises that turn them into valuable products such as decorations, art merchandise and jewellery, in turn supporting local economies and promoting ecological balance.
