How Kareem turned 30 acres of wasteland into a lush green forest in Kerala

Tucked away in the serene landscapes of Kasargod, Kerala, Kareem’s Forest is nothing short of a miracle. An oasis in the heart of what used to be a dry, rocky terrain. Abdul Kareem, the man behind this green wonder, started planting trees on his dry, laterite-filled land back in the 1970s. Decades later, his dedication has transformed it into a thriving 30-acre ecosystem that attracts nature lovers, researchers, and curious travellers from across the globe. Inside Kareem's forest, the air is cooler, the birds are louder, and the trees are diverse. "This is different from a plantation. A plantation sucks water. A forest replenishes," he proudly explains. Kasaragod often suffers water scarcity in summers despite receiving an annual average rainfall of 3000 mm. The highly porous laterite rocks - that make up most of the Kerala's northernmost district - let rain water escape as sub-surface flow, often affecting the crops and drinking water availability. However Kareem's forest, he claims, now produces water throughout the year, saving his entire neighbourhood from severe scarcity. And it's free for all. "I also keep water for all the animals in region. A lot of birds and dogs visit the forest - especially during summers. The birds get worried if they don't see me for 3-4 days," adds Kareem. What’s even more amazing? Kareem's forest is all natural. No pesticides, fertilisers or any other inputs were used to grow the trees. A proof that forests can regenerate beautifully if we just let nature do its thing. Abdul Kareem's monumental work is an important reminder of what’s possible when one person decides to make a change - slowly, steadily, and with love.