Coop Forest

Coop Forest is a holistic space that aims to create sustainable profits and foster activism and nature conservation. This forest is a transformative ecological and social enterprise located in the drought-prone Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu, India. Established in 2007 by social-environmental activist Piyush Manush, the initiative began by purchasing 1.5 acres of degraded land to create a forest for profit. Recognizing the challenges posed by scarce rainfall and the land's undulating topography, which led to rapid water runoff, Manush realized that effective water conservation was essential for sustainable afforestation.

To address this, he expanded the project by acquiring additional undulated land with the support of like-minded friends, forming a cooperative model. The primary challenge was ensuring year-round water availability. Manush designed and constructed a series of rainwater harvesting structures across the forest, including nine trenches and ponds, at a cost of less than ₹20 lakh (excluding land expenses). These structures successfully retained water throughout the year, leading to significant improvements in groundwater levels and the rejuvenation of a previously dried-up stream that now benefits nearby villages.

Today, Coop Forest spans 250 acres and is managed by a cooperative comprising around 70 members, primarily from the nearby Salem district. The landholdings within the cooperative range from one to five acres per member. The forest hosts thousands of bamboo along with many other species of trees and an established aloe vera plantation. Rather than selling raw materials, the cooperative adds value by producing furniture from harvested bamboo and natural skincare products from aloe vera ,and many other products from the forest. The focus is on replacing industrial production with sustainable production for the masses and not for an elite group.

Beyond its economic success, Coop Forest serves as a model for sustainable living and environmental education. It demonstrates how afforestation, combined with effective water conservation techniques, can restore degraded land, enhance local water resources, and provide sustainable livelihoods.

Coop Forest stands as a testament to the power of ecological restoration, showcasing how cooperative efforts can lead to environmental rejuvenation and socio-economic development in arid regions.