Rehabilitation of Degraded Community Land in Western Himalaya:Linking Environmental Conservation with Livelihood

Considering the situation of resource degradation and associated livelihoods in Western Himalaya, a scientific framework for rehabilitation of degraded and waste lands was developed and executed through people's participation. The objective of the present study was to restore degraded village lands, improve local livelihoods and strengthen ecosystem services. Twelve ecologically adapted and socially valued tree species having economic potential were planted at two different sites. Survival of the planted tree species after five years was found to be excellent (53.6-87.2%) and did not show any mortality after four years. Statistical analysis revealed no significant influence of the sites on the height and circumference of common species in them; however, year of plantation significantly (P<0.01) influenced increase in the growth of the species. A slight increase was observed in organic carbon whereas exchangeable calcium, exchangeable magnesium and total nitrogen increased significantly (P<0.01) during successive years. Capacity building and active people's participation were the most crucial aspects of the rehabilitation programme in the present study. The outcome of the present study would be helpful for developing appropriate strategies and action plans for the management of natural resources and rehabilitation of wastelands in the Himalayan region.