Guardians of the Backwaters

Beyond the beauty lies a battle to preserve – guided by those who call the backwaters home

Kerala’s backwaters are more than postcard landscapes—they are living ecosystems, sustaining generations of life, labor, and lore. For communities along these waterways, the backwaters are not just a setting—they are a way of life, intimately tied to livelihoods, traditions, and identity.

Yet today, these waters face growing threats: pollution, sand mining, unregulated tourism, and the impacts of climate change. In this delicate moment, it is often the local communities themselves who rise as stewards of the ecosystem—quietly, determinedly, and with deep-rooted knowledge passed down through generations.

This experience invites you into that world of conservation and care. You’ll walk through mangrove belts, glide through estuaries, and meet the people who depend on these ecosystems and fight for their future. From women crafting with coir to elders recalling the abundance of past decades, their stories reflect a profound emotional and ecological connection to the water.

Among these voices is Ayyappan of Kadalundi, a conservationist who has spent years protecting the estuarine habitats of rare birds. His work, along with efforts like the Kannur Kandal Project and SEEK, highlights a powerful model of grassroots conservation—driven by local wisdom, youth engagement, and community-led change.

This journey through Kerala’s backwaters is more than an exploration—it’s an invitation to connect, to listen, and to learn. As you travel through these fragile ecosystems, you’ll carry with you not only memories of their beauty, but also a renewed sense of respect for the people working to preserve them.