Indigenous Plant Conservation in India

Indigenous Plant Conservation in India

India is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, harboring more than 45,000 plant species, many of which are endemic. Conservation of these species is critical not only for ecological balance but also for traditional knowledge, food security, medicine, and sustainable development.

Miyawaki Method of Afforestation

What is the Miyawaki Technique?

• Developed by Akira Miyawaki, a Japanese botanist.
• It involves planting 2–4 native species per square meter.
• Trees are densely planted, with mixed native species, creating multi-layered forest vegetation: shrubs, sub-trees, trees, and canopy trees.

Key Features:

Application in India:

• Implemented in urban spaces (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad).
• Used by municipal bodies, NGOs, corporates (CSR) to offset ecological damage.
• Ideal for climate resilience, biodiversity revival, and community green spaces.

Tissue Culture for Conservation of Endemic Trees

What is Tissue Culture?

A technique of growing plants from cells/tissues in sterile conditions on a nutrient medium, allowing mass propagation and preservation of endangered species.

Delhi Forest Department Initiative:

• The Delhi Forest Department is setting up a Tissue Culture Lab at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Partnering with:
  • ICFRE (Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education)
  • FRI Dehradun (Forest Research Institute)

Objectives:

• Conserve native/endemic tree species threatened by:
  • Urbanisation
  • Invasive species
  • Habitat degradation
• Restore biodiversity corridors using lab-grown saplings.

Examples of Trees Targeted:

• Butea monosperma (Palash)
• Shorea robusta (Sal)
• Boswellia serrata (Salai)
• Other dry deciduous forest species

Significance:

• Ensures genetic fidelity of native species.
• Supports ex-situ conservation when in-situ fails.
• Speeds up reforestation and habitat restoration.

Indigenous Bioresources of North-East India

The North-East region is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot—one of the richest in the world in terms of endemism and ethnobotanical diversity.

Key States:

• Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur
  
  

Notable Indigenous Species:

Conservation Challenges:

• Shifting cultivation (jhum)
• Habitat loss due to infrastructure
• Climate change altering ecosystems
• Invasive species
  
  

Government Initiatives:

• Bioresource Conservation Mission
• Integration with AYUSH medicinal plant cultivation
• Promotion under One District One Product (ODOP) scheme
• Inclusion in National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) programs