Biomass and carbon density in Community Conserved Forest Areas - A Case study

The present study was carried out in a Community Conserved Forest Area (Van Panchyat) dedicated to local deity in Rudraprayag district of Garhwal Himalaya to estimate biomass and carbon stock. The forest was dominated by Quercus floribunda and other associated tree species were Aesculus indica, Alnus nepalensis, Persea duthiei and Lyonia ovalifolia. Total carbon density ranged between 177.32 Mg ha⁻¹ for Aesculus indica and 12.64 Mg ha⁻¹ for Buxus wallichiana. The above ground biomass density ranged between 298.44 Mg ha^-1 for Aesculus indica and 19.87 Mg ha⁻¹ for Buxus wallichiana. The below ground biomass density values also ranged between 70.99±13.63 and 6.47±1.31 Mg ha⁻¹. The Community-based sacred and traditional conservation management of these landscapes strives to avoid deforestation and encroachment by combining local initiatives with programs of the Forestry Department. Hence such areas can be instrumental all across the country to mitigate GHG emissions at low cost and can be safe corridors for biodiversity conservation.