Reducing Emission from Community Forest Managements: A Feasible Study from Almora, Uttarakhand

The present study highlights the significance of community forests in relation to forest degradation. This article argues that community can benefit from the REDD+ mechanism by proactively acting to curb the rate of forest degradation. Successful participation can bring biodiversity, ecological and economic benefits to the community as well as to the country. Of the total biomass in Anriyakot Van Panchayat the contribution of above ground and below ground parts was 73.95% and 26.05%, respectively. The contribution of shrub, herb and litter was 3.90%, 1.25% and 2.68%, respectively. Beside this in Bhatkholi Van Panchayat of the total biomass the contribution of above ground and below ground parts was 74.39% and 25.61%, respectively. The contribution of shrub, herb and litter was 5.72%, 3.50% and 6.11%, respectively. The mean carbon sequestration rate in Anriyakot and Bhatkholi Van Panchayats was 3.90±0.52 t ha -1 yr-1 and 3.41±0.69 t ha -1 yr-1, respectively. The soil organic carbon percent varied from 1.00±0.29 to 2.73±0.51 in Anriyakot, while 1.41±0.54 to 2.97±0.46 in Bhatkholi Van Panchayat. The finding indicates that the community managed forests may act as role model in mitigating climate changes. Determining the level of carbon stock pools in different components has become a concern of governments, businesses and many organizations. It is must to incorporate climate change consideration in forest sector especially Van Panchayat forests for long-term planning process.