Kerala State (India) has been widely acclaimed as a model for developing countries, with lessons to pass on for those interested in environmental management, sustainable development and social development. Recent assessments of the Kerala example acknowledge that there has been good progress, but suggest that a rather rose-tinted view has been presented. Véron (2001) argues that it has not been as successful as was hoped, but recently a ‘new’ model of development has emerged in Kerala, which promises to better integrate sustainable development goals and improved environmental management. This new model is more decentralised and encourages participatory planning and collaboration between state, NGOs and civil bodies. This model should be of interest to environmental managers dealing with developing countries.