24.7 - Terai Nepal Ecosystem Management

Question 1

Describe the location, biodiversity and climate of the Terai ecosystem.

Answer 1

Location: Situated in South Nepal (above India), stretches across southern border.

Lowlands: Belt of well-watered floodplains. Contains fertile land

Climate: Hot & humid in summer months, composed of fertile alluvia soil (rich in plant nutrients)

Biodiversity: Many subtropical plants (pipal, bamboo). Extreme biodiversity

Animals: Bengal tiger, sloth bear, Indian Rhino

Question 2

What are the effects of deforestation in Teria?

Answer 2

Exacerbates monsoon flooding, disrupts downstream communities.

• If deforestation continues, Terai will be left with small regions of forest

Affects habitats, wildlife, local populations who rely on forests for income

Question 3

What is the aim of sustainable forestry?

Answer 3

Provide livelihood for locals, ensure forest conservation, provide Nepali state with income for general development

• Achieved through national legislation & development of local community forestry groups

Question 4

What are the roles of local community forestry groups?

Answer 4

They set operational plans, harvesting rules, rates and prices for products; decide how much surplus income is distributed & spent

They gain FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certification – whom reward sustainable forestry

Question 5

What are the successes of community forestry groups?

Answer 5

1. Improvement in forest conservation, increasing area & density of forest
2. Improved soil & water management across the region
3. Increase in forestry product retail price => increased economic input
4. Employment & income increase through forest management
5. Sustainable wood fuel sources (accounts for ¾ of household energy)
6. Securing biodiversity of forested area

Question 6

What are the management strategies involved in promoting sustainable forestry?

Answer 6

1. Promote fruit & veg. production to avoid Terai intensification
2. Improve irrigation facilities – enhances crop production
3. Multiple cropping
4. Growth of nitrogen-fixing crop, e.g. pulses and legumes – enhances soil fertility
5. Growing crop varieties resistant to soil, climatic, biotic challenged through modern biotechnology/genetic engineering
6. Improving fertilisation technique, enhance crop yield – e.g. using manure