Biodiversity Afforestation Model- Approach [BAMA]

1.0 TITLE

BIODIVERSITY AFFORESTATION MODEL– AN APPROACH [BAMA] FOR ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION OF DEGRADED FOREST ECO-SYSTEMS
Jarnail Singh, IFS, Nagpur, Maharashtra State, India.

2.0 ABSTRACT

Forest ecosystems with its biodiversity and landscape values constitute national natural heritage meant for conservation for posterity. To this end, national forest policy prescribes 1/3 of geographical area under forest cover and enunciates principal aim of the policy is to ensure environmental stability and ecological balance which are vital to sustenance of all life forms. Existing forest cover scenario [SFR, 2005] portrays a grim situation that unfolds vast expanses of 26.60 million hectares of wastelands and open tracts and 28.98 million ha of degraded forests for rehabilitation to improve their productivity and ecological value.

Numerous approaches are in vogue for rehabilitation of degraded forest ecosystems. Biodiversity afforestation approach tends to address ecological degradation, biodiversity conservation and landscape concerns of degraded ecosystems. Approach was developed in the Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests of Melghats, having 648 naturalized species, belonging to 97 families and 398 genera. Salient aspects of the Biodiversity Afforestation Approach are summed up, as under.

1] Biodiversity afforestation approach based on the following concepts;
i] For managing nature follow nature as model.
ii] Percepts and principles of sustainable management of forest resources.
iii] Management to conform with and enhance natural site factors.
2] Salient sequential components of approach include;
i] Assess species diversity and degradation status of site.
ii] Determine species composition and seral status of fairly undisturbed forest ecosystem, in vicinity of site.
3] Determine extent of biodiversity deficit and ecological degradation
4] Biodiversity afforestation model to address biodiversity deficit and eco-degradation.
i. Develop treatment map and plantation design for the site
ii. Implementation modalities and guidelines

The crux of the approach is to help nature restore itself in its natural form, bio-composition and ecological status. Biodiversity afforestation approach is a step in direction to find sustainable solution for rehabilitation open tracts and restoration of degraded forest ecosystems.

3.0 KEY WORDS

Biodiversity afforestation, forest ecosystem, eco-rehabilitation, sustainable forest management, sustainable solution, plantation design, species diversity, biodiversity deficit, etc.

4.0 INTRODUCTION

Natural forest ecosystems help maintain environmental stability and ecological balance and hence are vital for sustenance of life on Earth. They support and sustain varied life forms like plants, animals and micro-organisms and hence function as the storehouses of gene pool i.e. genome banks of biodiversity, an invaluable nature’s gift to mankind.

Each nation has a unique tract of evolutionary growth and so is its relation with other life forms and natural ecosystems. Plants and animals have been integral part of way of life of people and have been considered auspicious by many cultural communities, world over. Indian culture has been acknowledged as the fountainhead of the way of life lived in harmony with nature. Like an ocean or a jungle in many ways it resembles nature’s course of evolution where nature is seen in its entirety as process of creation, preservation, destruction and assimilation in the greater whole.

Prevailing forestry scenario in India portrays a grim situation that unfolds vast tracts of culturable non forest wastelands and degraded open forests for enrichment, eco-rehabilitation and restoration for improving their productivity, biodiversity and ecological health status. Numerous techniques and approaches were devised for rehabilitation and restoration of degraded forest ecosystems. However, concept of protection and maintenance of biodiversity and site factors have not been incorporated and integrated in afforestation/plantation models devised for restoration of degraded forest ecosystems. It, thus, calls for a comprehensive and holistic approach that would take care of biodiversity conservation and maintenance of site factors alongwith other objectives of plantation / afforestation programmes.



5.0 PRESENT SCENARIO [FOREST RESOURCES SCENARIO IN INDIA]

The Constitution of India provides for safeguarding forests, wildlife and natural environs as the fundamental duty of citizens and an obligatory function of the state under directive principles. Government of India through National Forest Policy, 1952 enunciated 1/3 of geographical area under forest cover for meeting the vital national needs of the nation including mitigation of climatic and physical conditions and maintenance of hydrological nutritional balance by launching massive plantation drive by involving institutions and people through vanmahotasava celebration.

National Forest Policy, 1988 of the Government of India defines the principal aim to ensure environment stability and maintenance of ecological balance which is vital for sustenance of all life forms, human, animals and plants and has outlined strategy of conservation for sustainable management of forest resources. It also embodies holistic approach in shape of essentials of forest management. It has also laid special focus on biodiversity conservation and scientific management of forests through approved working plans and has prescribed sustainable limits for exercise of rights and concessions. It recognizes role of minor forest produce for sustenance of tribal populations and their first right on it. Policy thus embodies changed worldview of nation that believes and honor right of existence of other life forms in tune with cultural ethos, embedded deeply in psyche and cultural milieu of people.

India is a vast country, extending over to over 328.73 million ha of geographical landscape, bestowed with natural beauty, uniqueness and naturo-cultural diversity. National natural heritage includes forest and tree cover extending over to 76.87 million ha, forming 23.40 % of its geographical limits. It, includes, 67.70 million ha of rich and varied forest types of distinct composition and form in the shape of forest cover and 9.17 million ha of tree cover on non forest tracts, which form 20.64 % and 2.80 %, respectively, of the total geographical area of the country [State of Forest Report 2005, FSI, GOI]. Existing forest cover scenario portrays a grim situation that unfolds vast expanses of 26.60 million hectares of culturable non forest area and 28.98 million ha of open degraded forests for enrichment, eco-rehabilitation and restoration to improve their productivity, biodiversity and ecological value.

In order to achieve this objective, in holistic way, the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India have launched National Forestry Action Programme- India, 1999 for rehabilitating degraded forests and greening culturable wastelands for improving productivity, biocomposition and ecology of stressed eco-systems. It incorporates massive plantations to the tune of 3.0 million ha per annum for a period of 20 years to afforest 29.00 million ha of non forest culturable wastelands and rehabilitation of 31.00 million ha of degraded forests.

5.1 HISTORY OF FORESTRY PLANTATION IN INDIA

The story of forestry plantations in India is as old as scientific management of forests. The earliest attempt was teak plantation, in Nilambur, Kerala, around 1840, intended for compensation of removal of teak from natural forests. The system was clear felling of natural forests followed by artificial regeneration i.e. planting. Plantations in the past were confined to a few high value commercial species like teak, rosewood, mahogany, toon, sal, etc. and that to a limited extent with objective to improve quality and productive potential of the growing stock. Subsequently, after independence, enunciation of new forest policy, in 1952, necessitated large scale plantations on degraded forest tracts and non forest wastelands for improving vegetation cover to the extent of 1/3 of geographic area and for improving productivity of forests. In 1980s, large scale plantations under social forestry scheme was undertaken to cater to fuel wood, fodder and small timber need of rural populations. In total, 28.38 million ha plantations have been raised by the end of 20th century, which is an impressive figure. However, success of plantations in term of survival, growth and yield has been far below to the potential. Inadequacies in site selection, site-species matching, nursery techniques, planting stock, maintenance, timely tending/thinning, trained staff, fund allocation, inappropriate models, etc. have been cited as causative factors for poor performance of plantations [National Forestry Action Programme-India, 1999].

The numerous approaches of plantation and afforestation undertaken in the past to enrich forest crops and to rehabilitate degraded forest areas are given, as under.

i] Pure plantations (monocultures) of species of commercial value, including teak, rosewood, mahogany, eucalyptus, pines, sal, toon, poplars etc. at defined spacing.
ii] Forest crops enrichment plantation of teak, shisham, bamboo, canes, etc. for improving crop density by undertaking plantations of commercial species.
iii] Mixed species plantation in blocks, lines and strips for improving forest cover, site factors and aesthetic value.
iv] Strip and line planting along roads, rails, canals, along the coastal tracts.
v] Plantations alongwith farm crops under tongia cultivation.
vi] Mixed species plantations in lines or in strips in urban avenues, green belts and woodlots around industries; and arid tracts to check spread of desertification.
vii] Plantation on government and community lands under social forestry and block or line plantation of fast growing commercial species on private lands under farm and agro-forestry.

All the above plantation models and approaches were objective specific and were focused on a few species of commercial value or specific utility significance. Mixed plantation models were not conclusive about the plantation design, species composition, arrangement of plantation, post plantation operations such as thinning, tending, bio-composition and form of prospective crop. As a consequence, plantations undertaken did not result in success to the desired extent and their impact on site conditions, species composition and ecology was not in conformity with surrounding ecosystems. It led to outcry and reaction from professional foresters, environmentalists and nature lovers against single species monocultures and ad hoc approaches of afforestation/plantation.

6.0 RESULTS

The following paras sum up results of some of the innovative approaches undertaken to focus and integrate biodiversity conservation aspect in forestry plantations for improving productivity, vitality and ecological value of ecosystems.

A study report on the ‘Pure and mixed forest plantations with native species of the dry tropics of Costa Rica: a comparison of growth and productivity’ indicates that native species grew better in the mixed plots. Pure plots of teak were most productive, compared to mixture of species. Mixed plantations with native species contribute more to sustainable management. Single-species plantations do not provide great range of goods and services when compared to the natural forest, mixed plantations are likely to increase range of benefits (Daniel at el., 2004).

Case studies on the effects of afforestation on biodiversity studied in Nordic countries under AFFORNORD project indicate that afforestation affects species richness of different functional groups in different ways. Number of species of vascular plants is negatively affected by afforestation. Shade tolerant plant groups replace original heathland communities. Fungi and soil invertebrates respond to afforestation with an increase in species richness. Number of bird species is similar between habitat types, but changes take place in species composition and breeding densities. Species richness of many groups can be affected by forest management (stand density and thinning regime) and choice of tree species. Afforestation strongly affects species composition in all functional groups. Some species disappear and others colonize the new habitat. It is therefore important to include strategies for conservation of biodiversity in forest planning and management in order to preserve areas that contain special habitat types or rare species (Asrun et al., 2007).
Results of ‘the early effects of afforestation on biodiversity of grasslands in Ireland’ indicate that 5 years after tree planting, there were significant changes in richness, composition and abundance of species. Vigorous grasses were more abundant in planted than in unplanted sites, as were generalist species found in both open and wooded habitats, while small-stature shade-sensitive species were less abundant. Vascular plant species richness and Shannon’s diversity index were higher in unplanted wet grasslands, than in the planted sites. Differences in biodiversity between planted and unplanted grasslands indicate that afforestation represents a threat to semi-natural habitats where distinctive and highly localized plant communities could potentially occur (Erika et al., 2008).
In tune with above studies, Biodiversity Afforestation Model-Approach [BAMA] tends to address ecological degradation, biodiversity conservation and landscape concerns of degraded ecosystems alongwith other objectives associated for afforestation/plantation. Approach was developed and implemented in Melghat forests, in Maharashtra state. Site observations carried out after 5 years, in the year 1997, indicate promising results, as follows.

i] Approach prima facie appears a bit complicated for implementation. It is however comprehensive and systematic; and was found practical and easy to operate once percepts and plantation design were demonstrated and understood by the staff.
ii] Growth of most of the species was promising and survival was more than 85 percent.
iii] Teak, Gmlina arborea and Dalbargia sisoo were conspicuous for growth and survival.
iv] Emergence of native ground flora like grasses, herbs, shrubs and climbers indicate improvement in soil conditions.
v] The overall composition vegetation represents a good mix of species, matching with its surrounding forest ecosystem thereby improving the species diversity of the site.

7.0 KEY ISSUES OF MANAGEMENT/TECHNOLOGY

7.1 HOLISTIC STRATEGY FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Over 150 years experience of scientific forestry, in India, has unfolded many concepts, systems, tools and techniques of sustainable forestry. Sustainable forestry remained illusionary, as before, probably due to reason that appropriate strategy or approach for sustainable management of forests has not been put in place for action. In view to this and to achieve policy objectives in, wholesome manner, dynamic, holistic and innovative management strategy under caption ‘Evolving holistic strategy for sustainable management of forest resources’ was evolved and put forth for management of forest resources [Singh, J. (1998) Indian Forester, Vol. 124 (6): 473-486]. The strategy is based on holistic treatment of forest ecosystem on watershed pattern and stresses site specific treatment on lines of watershed management strategy. It prescribes for natural/sustainable management by taking things and beings as they are in their natural setting. It proposes organization of micro-units into micro-watersheds and micro-watershed into ecosystems, which in turn form macro-unit of the geographical landscape. Natural units organized and aligned in defined pattern will provide natural framework for sustainable management of forest resources.

7.2 NATURE - AS MODEL TO FOLLOW

A cursory glance of our historical evolution indicates close association and harmony of our forefathers with nature. The four stage conception of life in sylvan ashrams, during the Vedic times, indicates that nature and culture were inter-twined so closely to form a universal cosmic family in the shape of Vasudevam Kutumbhkkam. Live and let live was the code of conduct for harmonious existence of various life forms. Love and respect for all life forms including trees and animals were essence of harmonious existence. Over the ages, these concepts have gone deep in psyche of people as guiding principles of way of life. Things, however, have undergone a major change with time leading to change in outlook and way of life of people which in turn is cause of stressful existence for all life forms. Wisdom of bygone era needs to be assimilated in our way of life and work-style so as to nurture harmonious relations with nature. Thus, to manage nature, follow nature as model, has been taken as basic premises for restoring degraded ecosystems to its pristine glory.

7.3 ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF FOREST ECOSYSTEM

The key issue is to assess and determine ecological status of natural forest ecosystems. The ecological status [ES] of an ecosystem/eco-site is function of edaphic factors, climatic factors, vegetation diversity and composition, including, stock density, species diversity, forest type, structure and form; and ecosystem maturity. It is determined in term of Ecological Index [EI].

In view of invariability of edaphic and climatic factors for a reasonable span of time, Ecological Index may be defined as function of forest cover density, species diversity and change, type and form of forest crops; land use extent, air/environment pollution index and other adverse influences on the site or ecosystem, as follows.

Ecological Index [EI] = f (Forest Density, Species Diversity, Species Abundance, Ecosystem Maturity, Stability, Uniqueness, Species Gain (over a period-decade)]/ [Biotic Pressure, Annual Removal, Species Loss (over a period), Pollution Index, Intensity of Adverse Influences (Natural & Manmade hazards)]

The requisite parameters such as the forest cover density, species diversity, abundance, annual removal, etc. can be computed and determined by prevailing methods and modes. For instance, species diversity and abundance may be determined by Simpson’s Index of Diversity or Shannon’s Diversity Index, and vegetation cover may be determined from density indices, etc.

Ecological Index indicates ecological health status of forest ecosystems in terms of healthy and sick ecosystems on the basis of inclusive parameters and would conform to and correlate with forest cover, species diversity, environment pollution, etc.

7.4 INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

In order to ensure ecological health and vitality of forest ecosystems, there is a need to integrate biodiversity conservation in afforestation/plantation models and programs at local, regional and national level. Moreover, there is a need to develop comprehensive and systematic approach and model to address this issue holistically in professional manner. In tune with holistic strategy of sustainable management of forests and assuming nature as model to unfold, assimilate and follow, the Biodiversity Afforestation Model - Approach [BAMA] was developed and implemented in the Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests of Melghats, in Amravati district of Maharashtra State.

8.0 BIODIVERSITY AFFORESTATION MODEL - APPROACH [BAMA]

The salient components of Biodiversity Afforestation Model - Approach [BAMA] have been described and summed up, as follows.

8.1 SITE FACTORS AND TOPOGRAPHY OF AREA

Site chosen for implementation of the Biodiversity Afforestation Model - Approach [BAMA] situated in compartment number 252 of the East Melghat Forest Division, which forms a part of the Melghat forests situated on the southern branch of the Satpuda Hills, extending over to 3053 sq. km. Tract is hilly and consists succession of hills and valleys with abrupt variation in altitude, aspect and gradient. The rock is basaltic of the Deccan Trap origin. Soil is deep brown to rich red or black cotton soil with varying depth. The average rainfall is 1700 mm and is received mostly between months of June and October.

8.2 THE FORESTS AND SPECIES-COMPOSITION

Melghat forests are a unique tract of the Satpuda hills, known for its topography, composition, diversity and richness of flora and fauna. They form Dry Deciduous Mixed Type and classified as Group V Tropical Dry Deciduous forests and group V-A Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests (Champion and Seth, 1968). It consists of more than 648 naturalized species belonging to 97 families and 398 genera (Dhore and Joshi, 1988). Teak is the prominent species forms 50 % of growing stock and is fairly distributed throughout forming pure teak patches. Natural regeneration is deficient. Important teak associates include Adina cordifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Lagerstromea parviflora, Terminalia tomentosa, Garuga pinnata, Mitragyna parviflora, Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia bellerica, Madhuca latifolia, Sterculia urens, Schleichera oleosa, etc.

Under story consists of Lannea grandis, Ougeinia oojensis, Diospyrus melanoxylon, Wrightia tinctoria, Grewia tiliaefolia, Boswellia serrata, Gmelina arborea, Cassia fistula, Terminalia chebula, etc. Under story is not well defined and shrubby growth is rather sparse except Lantana camara which is very dense in most localities. Bamboos [Dendrocalamaus strictus] occur extensively and form chief under growth on moist areas. Grassy undergrowth is dense where bamboos and lantana are absent. Climbers are few and are generally confined to moist localities.

8.3 BIODIVERSITY AFFORESTATION MODEL- APPROACH [BAMA]

Biodiversity Afforestation Approach [BAMA] embodies holistic course of action to address eco-rehabilitation and restoration of degraded forests ecosystems in a well defined, sequential and planned way. It is based on the premises of sustainable management and essence of sustenance of natural ecosystems. The salient features of BAMA have been described, as follows.

A] BAMA is built on the following premises that form its foundation;
i] For managing nature and its systems, follow nature as the model.
ii] Percepts and principles of sustainable forest management.
iii] Management to conform with and enhance the natural site factors, species composition and ecological value of natural ecosystems, including, the landscape value.

B] The sequential action-components of the approach include, the following;
i] Assess and determine of tree species diversity [S1D1] and ecological status [E1I1] of site proposed for plantation or afforestation.
ii] Assess and determine species composition [S2D2] and ecological status [E2I2] of a fairly undisturbed forest ecosystem, in adjoins or vicinity of site.
iii] Determine extent of biodiversity deficit [S2D2- S1D1] and extent of ecological degradation [E2I2-E1I1].
C] Develop Biodiversity Afforestation/Plantation Model to address the biodiversity deficit and eco-degradation.
i] Develop Plantation Design and Treatment Map for the site
ii] Implementation modalities and guidelines

8.4 SPECIES COMPOSITION FOR AFFORESTATION MODEL.

i] Species composition and extent per hectare in forest ecosystem

In order to determine species composition per ha enumeration data of working plan of East Melghat Division was taken into consideration. Species composition of prominent tree species, their extent per ha and percentage composition was determined from the estimated growing stock. Name of species, its composition per ha and %age composition is given in the Table 1.

ii] Selection of species for biodiversity afforestation

For selection of species for afforestation and determining their composition and extent per ha for afforestation/plantation, species composition of the ecosystem was kept in consideration. Prime focus of the approach is that afforestation programme shall not in any way alter or change species composition of forest ecosystem but to restore, maintain and enhance biodiversity. Productivity, minor forest produce and wildlife utility aspects also require due space in species selection. Intent is to keep species and their composition more or less same as they exist in the forest ecosystem. Species selected for afforestation model and their composition per ha is given in the Table 2.

8.5 RAISING SELECTED SPECIES IN NURSERY

Species required for plantation/afforestation for a given site need to be raised well in advance to make them available at the time of planting. Many a species in the ecosystem do not respond to known propagation techniques whereas others are being slow growing need different time span to reach plantable size. There is need to establish high-tech nursery for raising selected species in adequate number for afforestation, as defined in the model. Nursery staff and manpower need training in advance propagation techniques, seed collection and treatment, raising seedling and record maintenance, etc. For purpose of plantation on the site in question 75,000 plants of 40 indigenous species were raised in Raipur nursery, East Melghat Division, in Amravati district.

8.6 DEVELOP AFFORESTATION/PLANTATION MODEL

i] TREATMENT MAP

Keeping in view floral species diversity of the site and subsequent thinning and tending operations for young plants, treatment map for biodiversity afforestation model for a site of 25 ha consisting of zone III areas in compartment number 252 was prepared. Area was divided into one ha units; each unit was further divided into 4 equal sub-units of 0.25 ha, each. Each sub-unit of 0.25 ha was assumed as minimum unit of treatment for biodiversity afforestation. Treatment Map for biodiversity afforestation of the site is given in the Figure 1.

ii] SPECIES COMPOSITION AND EXTENT IN EACH UNIT AND SUB-UNIT

Each Unit of 1 ha would have 2500 plants in total, including 1250 plants of Teak and 1250 plants of Mixed species.
Each Sub-unit of 0.25 ha would have 625 plants in total.
o Teak Sub-unit [T’s] - 600 [Teak] + 25 [Fx] = 625 plants
o Misc. Sub-unit [M’s] - 600 plants of Mixed species + 25 plants of Fruit species.
~ 450 [Mx] + 150 [MWx] + 25 [Fx] = 625 plants
Where, Mx; stands for Mixed species of general and specific utility.
MWx; stands for species of minor forest produce, medicinal, wildlife utility.
Fx; stands for Fruit species.

iii] PLANTATION DESIGN

A site of 25 ha could at the most contain 25 units of 1 ha, each and 100 units of ¼ ha, each. As per plantation design each unit was planned to have 50 % of Teak and 50 % of Mixed species. Diagonally opposite sub-units in each unit were planted with Teak at 2m x 2m spacing while other two sub-units have different Model Mixed species one in each sub unit at 2m x 2m spacing [Figure 2]. Minor forest produce and wildlife utility species were planted in each Mixed unit at 4m x 4m spacing and Fruit species were planted in the entire site at 10m x 10m spacing.

Teak and Mixed species of general and specific utility [M1, M2, --------M15] form basic species for the afforestation model. Minor Forest Produce and Wildlife Utility [MW1, MW2, ----------MW10] and Fruit species [F1, F2, ------F5] were planted in between model species as complementary species. Number of sub-units planted with Mixed species have been enumerated, in Table 3.

8.7 PLANTATION MODALITIES AND GUIDELINES

In view of comprehensive nature of the approach plantation modalities and guidelines including role and responsibility of the supervisory and field staff were developed and demonstrated to field staff, well in advance. Guidelines and modalities include, the following, in sequence.

i] Assessment of site conditions, species composition and ecological status by senior officer in the rank of the ACF or the Range Forest Officer.
Ii} Determine species composition and ecological status of the surrounding forest ecosystem by an officer not below the rank of the Range Forest Officer.
Iii} Determine biodiversity deficit and ecological degradation by the office staff under supervision of an officer of the ACF rank.
iv} Determine species for plantation and prepare Biodiversity Afforestation Model and Treatment Map by an officer not below the rank of ACF or RFO, under supervision of the DCF.
v] Instructions for nursery staff for raising selected species in defined numbers, in advance.
vi] Site preparation including division of site into units and subunits; numbering units as per treatment map, pre-plantation operations, etc.
vii] Plantation sequence and guidelines for field staff for orderly and effective implementation of Model as per Treatment Map.
viii] Post planting operations and modalities.
ix] Maintenance and upkeep of records on prescribed formats for nursery and plantation site.
x] Periodic monitoring, evaluation and review of approach and plantations.

Even though the model prescribes plantation of single species in each sub unit [0.25 ha] yet overall composition of species diversity of the site would be more or less same as composition and diversity of the surrounding ecosystem.

9.0 CONCLUSION

Biodiversity Afforestation Model – Approach [BAMA] is based upon premises that nature can best be managed by following nature as model. It also embodies principles and percepts of sustainable management of forest ecosystems on holistic framework of watershed approach and essence of coexistence with other life forms in harmony. It intends to integrate biodiversity conservation and ecological value aspects in plantation forestry, afforestation, technical modes and approaches.

BAMA dwell further and prescribes for species composition and extent per unit for plantation in shape of Afforestation/Plantation model. It also integrates specific functional species such as species of general and specific utility, minor forest produce, species of medicinal, wildlife utility; and fruit species to cater to local nutritional needs. It also provides plantation design, treatment map, spacing for various functional groups and plantation, modalities and guidelines for implementation of plantation.

Natural forest ecosystems with its diverse life forms and unique landscape characters have evolved over millions of years to its present composition, form and diversity. We know very little about their mystery and underlying processes. Any hurried intervention would have possibility of far-reaching irreversible impact on their form, composition and integrity. It is therefore imperative to prescribe limits for human endeavors in the form of management ethics or guidelines; suitable modes and mechanism like that of BAMA, so as, integrity, composition and ecological value of ecosystem shall not in any way alter or change in the process of management and use.

In view of grim forest resource scenario in India there is need to launch another green revolution to achieve task of greening India by using innovative ways and means. Approach, while integrating biodiversity conservation aspect of ecosystem management would also provide way ahead for eco-rehabilitation of vast stretch of degraded forests and wastelands that would help transform India into a strong, beautiful and green nation of our vision.

It is crucial that we should choose right and clean path to tread through nature without leaving any permanent mark on its face. We are on voyage to an unknown destination in the universe on Earth spaceship alongwith fellow life forms. We have every right to make our voyage a pleasant experience but without being a nuisance for fellow voyagers. Approach, thus, integrates life-centered worldview and cosmic vision rather than human-centered narrow view of dealing with natural ecosystems.

An old proverb says that when things are in crisis follow the nature. Nature enlightens mind, clears vision and directs action for seeking lasting solutions of problems. Hence, why in crisis, always follow the nature as model. The approach is simply a step in this direction.

9.0 REFERENCES

Anon. (1894). National Forest Policy, 1894. Circular No. 22-F, Ministry of Agriculture, GOI.
Anon. (1952). National Forest Policy, 1952. Resolution No. 13/52 F, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Govt. of India.
Anon. (1988). National Forest Policy, 1988. Resolution No. 3-1/86- FP, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India.
Anon. (2007). State of Forest Report, 2005. Survey of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, Dehradun.
Joshi, P.P (1978). Working Plan for Melghat Forests, East and West Melghat Divisions.
Champion, H.G. and S.K. Seth (1968). A revised survey of the Forest Types of India; General silviculture for India, Manager of Publication, New Delhi.
Osmaston, F.C. (1968). The management of forests. International Book Distributors, Dehradun.
Troup, R.S. (1952). Silvi-culture Systems. 2nd Ed. E.W. Jones. Oxford University Press.
Dhore, D.A. and P.A. Joshi (1988). Flora of Melghat Tiger Reserve.
Lindenmayer, David B. (2002). Plantation Design and Biodiversity Conservation. RIRDC Publication, Kingston Act, Australia.
Erika Buscardo, George F. Smith, Daniel L. Kelly, Helena Freitas, Susan Iremonger, Fraser J. G. Mitchell, Saoirse O’Donoghue and Anne-Marie McKee (2008). The early effects of afforestation on biodiversity of grasslands in Ireland. An online Publication
Daniel Piotto, Edgar Víquez, Florencia Montagnini and Markku Kanninen (2004). Pure and mixed forest plantations with native species of the dry tropics of Costa Rica. An online Publication.
Singh, Jarnail (1994). Biodiversity Afforestation Model–An approach, Indian Forester, 120(9): 860-867.
Singh, Jarnail (1998). Evolving a holistic management strategy for forest resources. Indian Forester, 124(6): 473-483.
Singh, Jarnail (1999). Forest Policy Formulation: A need to review. Indian Forester, 125(1): 72-92.
Singh, Jarnail (2000). Evaluation of system approach and its relevance in present day management: An Introspective view. Indian Forester, 126(3): 213-233.
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