Promoting sustainable feed and biofuel production in community conserved mangroves areas (Orissa, India)

Location: Orissa, India . 31st Jan 2013

Livestock has long been a mainstay from several coastal communities in Orissa. However, the unregulated browsing of ungulates including goats, cows and buffaloes has taken its toll on the state’s coastal grasslands, commonly associated with mangroves. Grass and associated vegetation undergo retarded growth and a weakened root structure; soil erosion is subsequently a significant issue leading to severe degradation within the system. Pastures that are devoid of vegetation additionally pose a threat to local livelihoods by way of shortage of fodder and fuel, depletion of ground water and loss of agricultural production

The lack of awareness of issues that ungulates pose to grasslands, such as overgrazing, were the primary reason behind the tragedy of commons playing out in community conserved mangrove areas in the Rajnagar block of Kendrapara district in Orissa, where MFF India partner APOWA has recently completed implementation of an SGP. Project interventions, accomplished with full community participation, have demonstrated the possibilities of an equitable marriage between sustainable production of animal feed and biofuel and conservation of the ecosystem.

The growth of mangroves and associated grass species was promoted in wasteland areas, once productive pasturelands, shared by four villages Basantpur, Badkot, Khirkot and Naranpur. Community stewardship was encouraged and the following impacts of community conservation were noted:

  • Controlled grazing, as well as in-stall feeding, was implemented
  • Protection of growing sapling was increased ensuring higher success of plant growth
  • Vegetation density and canopy coverage increased exponentially
  • Pressure on neighbouring mangrove forests for fuel needs decreased substantially
  • Agricultural productivity increased due to increased feed production (Porteresia coarctata)

As a result of this intervention, it was realized that building community awareness of mangrove ecosystems and the benefits they add to their livelihoods is a critical step towards the success of mangrove restoration projects.  Furthermore, instilling institutional infrastructure, such as village mangrove councils, headed by the communities themselves, is important towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the intervention. 

Mangrove associates like marsh grass are excellent fodder for livestock

Mangrove associates like marsh grass are excellent fodder fo ... , Rajnagar, Kendrapara, Orissa © APOWA, 2012

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