Bridging the Shencottah Gap: How Payments for Ecosystem Services Can Restore Biodiversity outside Protected Areas in India

Catalyze payments for ecosystem services mechanisms to strengthen ecological connectivity across the Shencottah Gap within the Periyar-Agastyamalai Corridor. Identify critical linkages
for wildlife movement across the gap, and then target payments to private landholders
and community groups to restore, enhance and secure wildlife habitats within them.
Monitor the effectiveness of these mechanisms, leverage funding to ensure sustainability and promote replication elsewhere.