Shabir Ahmad Bhat , Subhash Chandra Tiwari

Abstract

The species composition, dominance and regeneration status of tree species were studied in two blocks of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR) namely [Block II (Periphery) and Block I (Interior)].The tree density, sapling density and seedling density was higher in Block I as compared to Block II. In both blocks, GHB (Girth at breast height) showed decline in density from small girth class to higher girth class. The study also revealed the nature of changes effected on the character and composition of the biosphere reserve as a result of increasing anthropogenic disturbance and simultaneous changes in microclimate particularly in block I. As far as the regeneration status is concerned, maximum tree species was found with fair regeneration in the [Block I (Interior) than Block II (Periphery)] of the AABR. Meanwhile, in block II, nine species, while as in block I four species were not regenerated. There was lower species richness, species diversity, and mean height of trees in the block II which is a disturbed site, when compared with Block I the undisturbed sites. The seedling density and regeneration of plants were also lower in the disturbed site. Very few of the species extracted by villagers regenerated in the disturbed sites. This suggests that NTFP extraction is non-sustainable within the protected area and will eventually lead to loss of biodiversity and degradation of the forest.

Keywords

Non-timber Forest Products (NTFP), Achanakmar-amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR) Sustainable Extraction, Regeneration

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Shabir Ahmad Bhat , Subhash Chandra Tiwari

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge plays an important role in sustainable development, being planned by scientists and planners who are striving for tribal development. The present paper examines indigenous knowledge and its importance in utilization, conservation and management of natural resources among primitive tribal populations like Gond, Baiga, Kanwar, Uraon, Bharia and Pahadi korwa of Chattissgarh with special reference of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. There is an urgent need to document the existing indigenous knowledge of these deserted groups before it is totally lost and also to evaluate its value for bio-diversity conservation. Indigenous knowledge may contribute to improved development strategies in several ways such as by helping identify cost-effective and sustainable mechanisms for poverty alleviation that are locally manageable and meaningful; by a better understanding of the complexities of sustainable development in its ecological and social diversity; and by helping to identify innovative pathways to sustainable human developmentthat enhance local communities and their environments.

Keywords

Achanakmar-amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR), Ethnobotanical, Indigenous Knowledge, Non Timber Forest Products
(NTFP), Tribals

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Sheikh Iqbal ¹, Subhash Chandra Tiwari ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur-495009 (chhattisgarh), IN

Abstract

The estimation of organic carbon pool in soils and their variability in different terrestrial ecosystems are essential to better understand the global C cycle, to estimate the soil C sink capacity, and to quantify the amount of SOC sequestered in a defined time period. The amount of C stored in the soil per unit area is highly variable as the magnitude of SOC pool at a location depends on a range of factors such as soil type, land use land cover and climatic conditions. These factors differ among different land use and land cover and affects the soil carbon storage. Consequently, several approaches and new techniques are needed to develop a reliable estimate of SOC pool at different scales and ecoregions. Therefore, there is a need to quantify and understand the storage and dynamics of SOC pool under different land use land cover to identify and discuss the better land use land cover adaptation options that could enhance SOC stocks in different locations and ecoregions to combat climate change, soil quality improvement and food security and subsequently to enhance the ecosystem services.

Keywords

SOC Storage, Land Use Land Cover, Remote Sensing, GIS, Climate Change, Food- Security, Ecosystem Services.

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