1Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, India
2Division of Flower and Medicinal Crops, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore-560 089, India
In our rapidly urbanizing world, the conservation of old trees emerges as a critical endeavour, necessitating a holistic understanding of their ecological, cultural, and economic significance. It causes a high rate of biodiversity loss which leads to pollution and causes different diseases and habit loss due to climate change. Different global and Indian conservation efforts, and analysing strategies, policies, and legal frameworks will help to cope with this situation. An old tree having 50 tons of weight is providing a service of 1.57 million Indian rupees per year by releasing oxygen, mitigating pollution, conserving soil, providing habitat to wildlife, etc. Addressing challenges such as urbanization, climate change, diseases, and inadequate conservation measures, the review outlines strategic approaches, incorporating community engagement, sustainable practices and efforts taken by different organizations. This comprehensive review explores the historical context, ecological importance, and threats faced by old trees, emphasizing the urgent need for their conservation. This review also concludes a forward-looking perspective, outlining future outlooks and emphasizing the vital role of ongoing research, adaptive management, and public advocacy in securing the well-being of these invaluable natural treasures.
Conservation, Tree surgery, Tree syringing, Climate change, Urbanisation
