ABSTRACT
This study assessed stakeholder perceptions of government policy effectiveness, community participation, and environmental awareness in conserving the Kodaikanal hill ecosystems, Western Ghats, India. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 respondents using a structured questionnaire containing 22 Likert-scale items to evaluate ecological concerns, governance effectiveness, and societal preparedness. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to interpret responses. The findings revealed strong public concern regarding environmental degradation and ecosystem sustainability. Seventy-seven percent of respondents agreed that biodiversity in Kodaikanal is threatened by human activities (mean = 1.95 ± 0.845), while 80% identified deforestation as a major ecological threat (mean = 1.91 ± 0.877). Climate-related concerns were also substantial, with 70% reporting that climate change threatens ecological balance (mean = 2.08 ± 0.872) and 75% identifying climate change as a major concern affecting hill ecosystems (mean = 2.05 ± 0.914). Tourism pressure was widely recognized, with 73% agreeing that tourism development negatively affects the natural environment and 69% reporting that tourist activities disturb ecological balance. Although 51% perceived local communities as participating in conservation efforts, only 40% believed that government effectively involves communities in environmental decision-making. Furthermore, only 34% expressed satisfaction with pollution control measures. The results indicate a disconnect between public environmental awareness and confidence in governance mechanisms. Strengthening participatory governance, improving conservation policies, enhancing environmental education, and integrating sustainable tourism practices are necessary to improve ecological resilience and long-term conservation outcomes in Kodaikanal.
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