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Rejuvenating ecosystem services through reclaiming degraded land for sustainable societal development: Implications for conservation and human wellbeing

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  • Rawat, Lakhpat Singh
  • Maikhuri, Rakesh Kumar
  • Bahuguna, Yateesh Mohan
  • Jugran, Arun Kumar
  • Maletha, Ajay
  • Jha, Nabi Kanta
  • Phondani, Prakash Chandra
  • Dhyani, Deepak
  • Pharswan, Dalbeer Singh
  • Chamoli, Sudhanshu

Abstract

The Himalayan ecosystem has global significance for supporting unique and rich ecological and socio-cultural diversity as well as a range of ecosystem services important for the very survival of human beings. However, constant anthropogenic pressure, unsustainable developmental practices and climate change led to the transformation of irrational land-use practices that have seriously compromised the ecosystem productivity and livelihood of the mountain communities. Considering the above, integrated land use planning, effective land use policy and legislation is a key element to address unsustainable land-use practices in the Himalayan ecosystem. Realising the increasing trend of degradation of natural resources and associated livelihood challenges for rural communities, a comprehensive scientific framework was developed for improving the functionality of marginal degraded land. A total of twelve tree species used for a variety of purposes prioritised by local communities based on ecological, social and economic value were selected for plantation on marginal degraded land belonging to the village community. Significant improvement in survival rate, growth, and circumference of planted tree species was observed across the sites after ten years of the plantation. The plantation activities enhanced the net productivity of degraded landscape while increasing characteristics of soil leading to increment in water percolation, improve soil moisture and decreased runoff. Total biomass accumulated by tree species planted in three selected sites within the period significantly contributed to carbon sequestration thus reducing the adverse impact of changing climate. The provisioning services in the form of fuel, fodder, and grasses obtained from developed landscapes reduced the drudgery and workload of marginal communities. The study advocates interdisciplinary knowledge production, enrich social learning among stakeholders, improved understanding of current and future challenges associated with land-use practices and relevant policy implications for sustainable land management in the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Rawat, Lakhpat Singh & Maikhuri, Rakesh Kumar & Bahuguna, Yateesh Mohan & Jugran, Arun Kumar & Maletha, Ajay & Jha, Nabi Kanta & Phondani, Prakash Chandra & Dhyani, Deepak & Pharswan, Dalbeer Singh & , 2022. "Rejuvenating ecosystem services through reclaiming degraded land for sustainable societal development: Implications for conservation and human wellbeing," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:112:y:2022:i:c:s0264837721005275
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2021.105804
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    Cited by:

    1. Hesham M. Aboelsoud & Mohamed A. E. AbdelRahman & Ahmed M. S. Kheir & Mona S. M. Eid & Khalil A. Ammar & Tamer H. Khalifa & Antonio Scopa, 2022. "Quantitative Estimation of Saline-Soil Amelioration Using Remote-Sensing Indices in Arid Land for Better Management," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-19, July.
    2. Zhiyi Zhang & Liusheng Han & Zhaohui Feng & Jian Zhou & Shengshuai Wang & Xiangyu Wang & Junfu Fan, 2024. "Estimating the Past and Future Trajectory of LUCC on Wetland Ecosystem Service Values in the Yellow River Delta Region of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.
    3. Lejuan Han & Zhongxue Zhou, 2024. "Identifying the Changes in Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being under Agricultural Transformation Contexts in Peri-Urban Areas: A Case Study of the Xi’an Metropolitan Zone, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-25, February.
    4. Zane Vincevica-Gaile & Juris Burlakovs & Maija Fonteina-Kazeka & Magdalena Wdowin & Emil Hanc & Vita Rudovica & Maris Krievans & Inga Grinfelde & Kristaps Siltumens & Mait Kriipsalu & Hani Amir Aouiss, 2023. "Case Study-Based Integrated Assessment of Former Waste Disposal Sites Transformed to Green Space in Terms of Ecosystem Services and Land Assets Recovery," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-21, February.
    5. Negi, Vikram S. & Pathak, Ravi & Dhyani, Vibhash & Durgapal, Medha & Joshi, R.K. & Bhatt, Indra D., 2022. "Land restoration in the Himalayan Region: Steps towards biosphere integrity," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).

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