Title: Ecological impact of joint forest management in Tripura, India

Authors: B.K. Tiwari, Phalguni Kayenpaibam

Addresses: Ecological and Economics Research Network, Centre for Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India. ' Ecological and Economics Research Network, Centre for Environmental Studies, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India

Abstract: This study, conducted in seventeen villages undertaking joint forest management (JFM) in Tripura, is an attempt to assess the impact of protection and management on vegetation attributes viz., species richness, diversity, stem density, status of vegetation regeneration and biomass. The majority of the JFM areas showed lower tree species richness as well as diversity values but higher stem density compared to the unprotected areas. People|s main preference was fuelwood in JFM areas and timber in the unprotected areas. Findings indicate the need for promoting regeneration of fast growing species and the development of fuelwood plantations particularly around centres of high consumption.

Keywords: joint forest management; ecological assessment; Tripura; biodiversity; India; sustainable development; environment; ecology; community forestry; species richness; diversity; stem density; vegetation regeneration; biomass; wood fuel.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2006.008680

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2006 Vol.5 No.1, pp.23 - 34

Published online: 16 Jan 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article