Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Plant resource utilization by local inhabitants around Machiara National Park, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Author(s):

Muhammad Ejaz Ul Islam Dar *, Roland Cochard, Rajendra Prasad Shrestha, Sajjad Ahmad

Recieved Date: 2012-07-06, Accepted Date: 2012-10-03

Abstract:

In mountain forests of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan, rural communities much depend on the plant resources from nearby natural forests. This study was carried out to determine the different types of plant resources which are utilized by local inhabitants in Machiara National Park in AJK. The national park  is located in one of the global biodiversity hotspots of the world. A total of 210 household members from three villages were selected and interviewed using a standard questionnaire, in addition, group discussions and field observations were conducted to add information on resource use patterns and the impact of resource exploitation by local communities. The study revealed that 57 species were of medicinal value, 53 were used as fodder plants, 12 as torchwood, 27 as fuelwood, 10 species as timber for construction, 37 species served as food as vegetables, and 18 species provided a source of wild fruits. Cooperation between public institutions and local resource users was weak and legal rules and regulations were inadequately defined; this ultimately entailed an unsustainable use of forest vegetation resources. 

Keywords:

Plant resource use, ethnobotany, indigenous knowledge, species inventory, protected area, people-park relations, Machiara National Park, Azad Kashmir

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2012
Volume: 10
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 1139-1148

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