Eco-Social Services of Native Tree Species: A Conservation Approach

Lalit Mohan Sahu; Kadambini Das; Jaydeep Kumar Sahu; Anuradha Das; Banshidhar Behera; Sanjeet Kumar

doi:10.36808/if/2024/v150i7/170072

Eco-Social Services of Native Tree Species: A Conservation Approach

Authors

Lalit Mohan Sahu Department of Botany, Rajendra College Autonomous, Balangir, Sambalpur University, Odisha
Kadambini Das Department of Botany, RLSY College (Bettiah), BRAB University, West Champaran, Bihar
Jaydeep Kumar Sahu Department of Dravyaguna, SSCASRH, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha
Anuradha Das Department of Botany, Sindri College, Sindri, BBMK University, Dhanbad, Jharkhand
Banshidhar Behera Department of Dravyaguna, Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College and Hospital, Karolbagh, New Delhi
Sanjeet Kumar Ambika Prasad Research Foundation, Odisha

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2024/v150i7/170072

Keywords:

Indigenous tree, Deforestation, Medicinal value, Cultural significance

Abstract

Trees are important aspects of life on earth. The preservation and restoration of forests have always been crucial for finding answers to the climate crisis. Still, a tenth or more of the world's annual CO₂ emissions is the result of 2 deforestation. Additionally, trees do much more than just storage of carbon. Additionally, they improve biodiversity, stabilise soil and other climatic conditions, cleaning, and recycling water. Deforestation by cutting down trees is advancing everywhere. In the name of development, the oldest trees are being cut down and replaced with invasive species in so many places. Awareness against the old and native tree species and their restoration should be done very quickly. Keeping this in mind, an attempt has been made to document the indigenous tree species of Odisha, India, along with their food, medicinal, economic, and mythological aspects. A survey was carried out from the year 2010 to 2023 in Odisha state under several projects and biodiversity works. Through field visits, interaction with locals, and direct observation, the information was collected. The survey revealed that trees are the lifeline of the ecosystems and are directly attached to the day-to-day work, culture, and emotions of people. These also have ecological, mythological, and cultural significance. These provide numerous services to human beings, which are documented in the paper. The present study highlights the importance of native trees and suggests planting more and more local tree species.

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