Assessing human dependency on the provisioning ecosystem services of chatla floodplain wetland of barak valley, Assam, northeast India

The present study was conducted in Chatla- a typical floodplain wetland of Barak valley, Assam, Northeast India to investigate the various provisioning ecosystem services (PES) provided by the wetland from 2013 to 2015. The riparian communities were inevitably dependent on the different PES of the wetland viz., the supply of fish, paddy, soil, surface water, and NTFPs (thatch grass, fuelwood, fodder, and cane & common donax), availability of which varied across seasons. In spite of substantially less monthly income of the riparian communities, their survival has been possible because of the supplemental role played by the wetland through the generation of various PES. The study revealed the intrinsic value of Chatla for survival and sustainable livelihood of its riparian communities. For e.g., the primary PES of the wetland during the dry season comprises of provision to agriculture and culture fishery, and NTFPs like fuel wood, fodder, cane & common donax; whereas, during the wet season, the dominant PES of the wetland is the capture of fishery resources and NTFPs like fodder and thatch grass. Therefore, considering the intricate relationship of the wetland with the riparian communities, there is an urgent need for consideration of scientific and sustainable management strategies for Chatla and similar wetlands for ensuring continuous delivery of various PES.