Title: An ecological assessment of greening of Aravali mountain range through joint forest management in Rajasthan, India

Authors: Ashish Aggarwal, Radhey Shyam Sharma, Bhimraj Suthar, Kailash Kunwar

Addresses: Seva Mandir, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. ' Seva Mandir, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. ' Seva Mandir, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. ' Seva Mandir, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract: Rajasthan is one of the largest Indian states with about 9% of its total geographical area covered with forest. Large area of the state is covered with desert, has one of the highest livestock populations and therefore has severe shortage of biomass for local use. The community forestry initiative in this state has resulted in significant regeneration, enhanced biomass and enhanced tree cover in the villages indicating large potential for community initiatives. Species diversity, stem density and species richness have increased in plantations and natural forests under community forestry indicating that community is keen on managing the forest resources. The study indicates that there is potential to cover more villages under JFM to enhance forest cover, stem density and diversity of tree species.

Keywords: Rajasthan; community forestry; Aravali; joint forest management; India; greening; mountain ranges; biomass; sustainable development; environment; ecology; tree cover; biodiversity; diversity; stem density; species richness; ecological impact; basal area; productivity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2006.008681

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2006 Vol.5 No.1, pp.35 - 45

Published online: 16 Jan 2006 *

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