Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Memorial Lecture: II

Fig. 15. Recession of banj forest to chirpine forest
It is not only recession process, but with that comes the wholesale floristic
changes in undertrees / shrubs and herbs an the microorganisms and wild animals
associated with a particular forest type. Thus, in this case, the whole composition of the
forest type changes. Reversing such a recession would need a close study of the
problem and working our a definite long term strategy.
Biodiversity and Ecodevelopment
In recent years, ecodevelopment based on principles of restoration ecology has
received considerable attention (Khoshoo, 1992 a, see also Wali, 1992). According to
Khoshoo based on ecological principles. The ecopart is common to both ecology and
economics. In fact, both have the same Latin rot Oikos. An instructive experiment on
ecodevelopment lasting over 20 years has been reported by Khoshoo (1987b, 1992a).
it involves the use of alkaline land. The major component of this relevant plant and
animal diversity was used for creating sustainable biomass production to meet the
needs of the local people. Equally important was that due to such amelioration of
people. Equally important was that due to such amelioration of people. Equally
important was that due to such amelioration of degraded land, even human made
wilderness areas were established. Here, a three-story forest of tress, shrubs and herbs
was generated. It attracted several species of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects,
microorganism and worms, especially of earthworm. These species made it their abode.
The presence of earthworms was a definite indication of ecorestoration (Fig. 16)
In the Himalaya, any mention of ecodevelopment (SeeKhoshoo, 1986). Is
incomplete without a mention of the exemplary work of the Dasholi Gram Swaraj
mandal in the Gharwal Himalayan Region. This movement is being led by the
outstanding Gandhian leader, Sri Chandi Prasad Bhatt. There are two major elements
involved: raisin of a stone wall around the village complex and stall-feeding of the
livestock. The other element is the involvement of local people on a willing basis. The
result was miraculous: abundant natural regeneration of trees/ shrubs and grass. This
gave green cover and fodder for stall-fed livestock. As the area is expanded, it would
also mean recharge of the natural spring.
In essence, it is a movement for restorative ecology and is based on the willing
participation of local people to generate sustainable biomass base at the very
grassroots. Obviously, it depends on plant and animal diversity of relevance to the local
environment and its people.
Fig. 16. Production &Utilization of biodiversity in ecodevelopment of usar land. Source;
Khoshoo 1992 a
This movement needs to be monitored by ecologists and economists so as to
bring out the principles underlying this biomass based model of development. Such
knowledge would be very useful for replication and horizontal spread of this experience
in the entire Himalayan belt. In time to come, such a movement will produce miraculous
results in short time at little cost to the provincial and the central governments. Together
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