Dr Yellappa Reddy: The Trees Must Always Come First

Dr. A.N. Yellappa Reddy is a renowned environmentalist, a former indian forestry services officer and member of the Lok Adalat or Karnataka High Court for environmental project initiatives. Throughout his career, Dr. Reddy has actively championed the conservation of natural forests, water systems and rehabilitation of endangered flora and fauna. Born in the small village of Adugodi to an agriculturist father, Dr. Yellappa grew up with a deep and abiding respect and fascination for nature and science. After earning degrees in Agricultural Sciences from the Coimbatore Agriculture College in 1960, and then a postgraduate degree in Soil Sciences, he dedicated decades to the Indian Forestry Services and also served as an Administrator of Forests. As a key member of the Forest Services research wing he developed innovative eco-restoration technologies and bio-strategies for the restoration of native vegetation in the most degraded areas of the Western Ghats. Dr. Reddy was instrumental in the formation of several important environmental laws, such as the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act of 1976, and the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980. He is well known for his work in reviving the concept of Sacred Gardens or Pavitra Vanas where indigenous knowledge from tribal groups and ayurveda is combined in growing gardens. Dr. Reddy has always advocated for the idea of an ecological economy, one where economic gain occurs through taking ownership of decentralized ecological services. Dr. Reddy retired as the Secretary of the Department of Ecology, Environment and Forests for the Government of Karnataka, and now spends his time as an author, educator, and role model for many young environmentalists. Today he is in conversation with Maya Chandra, a filmmaker and communications specialist who is the founder of Maya Films. This conversation was recorded at his residence in Bengaluru. For more information, go to www.rohininilekaniphilanthropies.org