Informatics Publishing Limited

R. K. Maikhuri ¹, L. S. Rawat ¹, Vikram S. Negi ¹, Abhay Bahuguna ¹, Sunil K. Agarwal ², N. A. Faroouquee ³, Prakash Phondani ¹, C. S. Negi ¹

Affiliations
1 G.B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Garhwal Unit, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, 246174, IN
2 Science and Society Division, Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi-110016, IN
3 School of Extension and Developmental Studies, Room No 5, B-Block, IGNOU, Maidangadi, New Delhi, 110068, IN

Abstract

We present the outcome of innovative action research as capacity building for marginal and smallholder farmers and other stakeholders of Central Himalaya through strengthening social organization and entrepreneurial initiatives. By this, GBPIHED (Garhwal unit) established rural technology demonstration and training and capacity building centre (RTDTC) at three different locations equipped with 13-15 simple and specific technologies. About 41 on site training, capacity building and skill development programme were organized since 2000 in which 3860 participants were trained. The participants were provided on site demonstration, training and technical know-how about various technologies, which enable better understanding of problems faced by the farmers as well as sustainable management of natural resources. Consistent monitoring during and after the programme, feedback from people after adoption of technologies and income earned by each households from individual or grouped of technologies adopted were evaluated and analyzed. The documentation and analysis of action research (quantitative&qualitative) and data related to cost benefit analysis of the technologies adopted by farmers generated through this study has created room for wider sharing of farmer training outputs both at the farm level, and amongst the scientific communities and policy makers. Furthermore, the programme has shown that there is a need to develop and update location specific modifications in technologies has already been introduced /developed so as to maximize the sustainable use of local natural resources and reduce the cost use of external inputs.

Keywords

Himalaya, Sustainable Management, Rural Development, Farmers, Natural Resources, India, Economy

Full Text

   

Vikram S. Negi ¹, I. D. Bhatt ¹, P. C. Phondani ¹, B. P. Kothyari ¹

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand 263 643, IN

Abstract

Considering the situation of resource degradation and associated livelihoods in Western Himalaya, a scientific framework for rehabilitation of degraded and waste lands was developed and executed through people's participation. The objective of the present study was to restore degraded village lands, improve local livelihoods and strengthen ecosystem services. Twelve ecologically adapted and socially valued tree species having economic potential were planted at two different sites. Survival of the planted tree species after five years was found to be excellent (53.6-87.2%) and did not show any mortality after four years. Statistical analysis revealed no significant influence of the sites on the height and circumference of common species in them; however, year of plantation significantly (P<0.01) influenced increase in the growth of the species. A slight increase was observed in organic carbon whereas exchangeable calcium, exchangeable magnesium and total nitrogen increased significantly (P<0.01) during successive years. Capacity building and active people's participation were the most crucial aspects of the rehabilitation programme in the present study. The outcome of the present study would be helpful for developing appropriate strategies and action plans for the management of natural resources and rehabilitation of wastelands in the Himalayan region.

Keywords

Degraded Land, Environmental Conservation, Fodder, Livelihood, Rehabilitation.

Full Text

   

R. K. Maikhuri ¹, Vikram S. Negi ¹, L. S. Rawat ¹, Ajay Maletha ¹

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Garhwal Unit, Post Box 92, Srinagar-Garhwal 246 174, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

Full Text

   

R. K. Maikhuri ¹, Vikram S. Negi ¹, L. S. Rawat ¹, A. K. Sahani ¹, R. C. Sundriyal ², P. P. Dhyani ²

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Garhwal Unit, Srinagar (Garhwal) 246 174, IN
2 G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

Full Text

   

R. K. Maikhuri ¹, Vikram S. Negi ², L. S. Rawat ¹, D. S. Pharswan ²

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Garhwal Unit, Srinagar, Garhwal 246 174, IN
2 G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, IN

Abstract

Six species of medicinal and aromatic plants, viz. Allium stracheyi, Allium humile, Allium rubellum, Pleurospermum angelicoides, Carum carvi and Angelica glauca having high economic value were selected for bioprospecting and brought under cultivation from wild in the high altitude villages of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand. The edible parts of selected species were analysed for nutritional value to evaluate their potential for promoting large scale consumption and cultivation. Among the selected species, macronutrients were found maximum for Allium stracheyi, i.e. carbohydrates (98.34 mg/g), proteins (187.11 mg/g), vitamin C (156.50 mg/g), vitamin B2 (26.12 mcg/gm), vitamin E (61.10 mg/g) and phosphorus (14.13 mg/g) followed by Allium rubellum and Allium humile. The results of nutritional value, cultivation practices and technique of value addition were demonstrated to rural inhabitants through on-site training and capacity building programmes to enhance their skill and awareness about the potential of selected species for livelihood options. The cost-benefit analysis of cultivation and collection from wild, and value addition of herbal spices were done to see if the species were feasible for developing local entrepreneurs. These efforts enhance the ability and knowledge of local inhabitants for cultivation and value addition of medicinal herbal spices in the region. The overall impacts of the work were seen as an improvement in socio-economic conditions of residing community and awareness for medicinal plant conservation in their natural habitat.

Keywords

Bioprospecting, Cultivation, Conservation, Livelihood, Indigenous Knowledge, Medicinal Plant.

Full Text

   

Vikram S. Negi ¹, R. K. Maikhuri ², Ajay Maletha ²

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, IN
2 GBPNIHESD, Garhwal Unit, Srinagar (Garhwal) 252 424, IN

Abstract

The serious problem facing the managers of protected areas and conservationists is how to maintain biodiversity in the face of natural and anthropogenic perturbations. Biological invasion as an anthropogenic ecological perturbation is threatening endemic biodiversity, preventing natural ecological succession and changing the community structure and composition, besides impacting the ecosystem services. Polygonum polystachium Wall. ex Meisn., is an herbaceous native species to Himalayan Region that belongs to family Polygonaceae.

Full Text

   

Vikram S. Negi ¹, Lalit Giri ¹, K. Chandra Sekar ¹

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 648, IN

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess floristic diversity, community composition and regeneration status of different forests in Nanda Devi National Park after prohibition of human activities in 1983 with a view to understand the impact of ban, and provide a basis for assessing subsequent changes on plant diversity and composition. The comparison of the present study with the earlier studies conducted in 1993 and 2003, indicated positive changes on plant diversity, forest composition and ecological conditions of the National Park. A total of 409 taxa belonging to 203 genera and 71 families (377 Angiosperms, 7 Gymnosperms and 25 Pteridophytes) were documented from the National Park. Two types of forest communities, i.e. Betula utilis along timberline, and mixed forest of Abies spectabilis with B. utilis form the dominant forests inside the National Park. Proportionate distribution of individuals in seedling, sapling and tree layers showed considerable variation in the population structure of different communities. Maximum species richness was observed in Dibrugheta (128) followed by Dharansi (43) and Sarsopatal (34) among the studied alpine meadows of this National Park. The present results could be a pilot to strengthen conservation measures across the Protected Area Network by understanding the impact of the ban on anthropogenic activities, and is also useful for future assessment of floristic diversity and forest composition in the National Park.

Keywords

Conservation, Nanda Devi National Park, Tree Regeneration, Species Diversity, Western Himalaya.

Full Text

   

Vikram S. Negi ¹, Suresh K. Rana ¹, Bhawana Dangwal ¹, Shinny Thakur ¹, K. Chandra Sekar ¹, I. D. Bhatt ¹

Affiliations
1 G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBP-NIHE), Almora 263 643, IN

Abstract

Long-term experiments are essential in understanding the ecological consequences of global land use and climate change. Further, it is well established that long-term data sets are prerequisites for effective management of forest resources and biodiversity conservation. In view of this, the present study attempts to contribute to major global long-term ecological monitoring (LTEM) networks and the status of LTEM studies in India with a special focus on Indian Himalayan Region. Over the last 40 years, around 103 countries from the America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia have been engaged in LTEM studies on various aspects of biodiversity, monitoring and predicting climate change impacts in a range of ecosystems, including the mountains. The temporal distribution of past studies on the subject shows a gradual increasing pattern (3 papers in 1992) with a peak during 2021 (105 papers). The established LTEM networks across the globe provide a significant empirical basis for understanding ecosystem structure and dynamics. Literature indicates plenty of permanent monitoring plots from India, mostly from southern India, and their significant contribution to ecosystem understanding. Himalayan regions are important sites for monitoring biological and socio-ecological responses to environmental perturbations, including climate change. LTEM studies are lacking in the IHR; only a few sites have been established, mostly in alpine ecosystems. This review identifies research gaps, opportunities with respect to LTEM studies, and the possibilities for strengthening long-term research and observation in India in general and the Himalaya in particular.

Keywords

Alpine Ecosystem, Biodiversity Conservation, Forest Management, Himalaya, Long-Term Ecological Monitoring, Long-Term Observations.

Full Text