A Case Study of Carbon Sequestration by Sacred Groves of Mundra Taluka, Kachchh District, Gujarat.

Abstract

Sacred groves are those forest patches that are connected with the religious and traditional values and beliefs of local people. Plants which are grown near the grove are called sacred plants. Sacred groves include several endemic, endangered and ecologically important plant species. In other words, sacred groves are natural conservation units for biodiversity. Sacred groves and sacred plants are protected and conserved due to the strong religious and mythological beliefs of local people. Their beliefs are as strong as their social traditions. The religious and cultural rites that are performed in the groves give it protection, as well as assisting in keeping the sacred grove in immaculate condition and ensuring the maintenance of its plants. As it is known that the trees are cutting day- by- day and on the other hand Sacred trees which grow near sacred groves are not under threat of cutting due to religious and cultural beliefs. Therefore, Sacred trees or sacred forest a potential role in the sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in the form of biomass. To estimation of Biomass and carbon sequestration in the Sacred tree species have been using a non-destructive method. The main focus of the current article is on estimating the carbon sequestration of sacred tree species in sacred groves found in selected areas Mundra Taluka of Kachchh District. Total 32 sacred groves were recorded from 18 villages which cover approximately 12.77 hectares of land area. Carbon sequestration of 172 individuals of 16 tree species was estimated through the standard method. Ficus benghalensis L. sequestered maximum carbon, i.e., 5.48 tones followed by Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (4.34 tones), Syzigium cumini (L.) Skeels (3.79 tones) While the lowest carbon sequestration was recorded in Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth (0961 tones), Prosopsis cineraria (L.) Druce (0.907 tones), Acacia catechu Willd. (0.39 tones) and Tamarindus indica L. (0.173 tones).