Trees for Villagers™

Why trees?
The banks of the river Mahi experiences massive flooding and soil erosion. This results in immobility, crop loss and renders the land uncultivable, according to the Foundation for Ecological Security.  The water results in the formation of deep ravines thus making the cropland infertile. The organisation also mentions the importance of trees in checking the problem. The trees planted to hold the soil together thus preventing it from being washed away and increase the water holding capacity of the soil, mentions the World Agroforestry Centre.  

The project area is endowed with an enormous variety of bird species, reptiles, fish species, amphibians and tree species. The 9th May, 2016 article in the Times of India, ‘36 animal, plant species endangered in Gujarat’, mentions the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of endangered species in Gujarat, including the black mahseer, golden mahaseer, leatherback sea turtle, Indian white-backed vulture, long-billed vulture, red-headed vulture, steppe eagle, greater adjutant- stork, great Indian bastard, lesser florican, sociable lapwing, spotted greenshank, forest spotted owlet, dhole, caracal, blue whale, fin whale and Indian wild ass. The local trees planted provide habitat to these species.

Social Impact
The trees planted will improve the local environment by conserving the soil against the severe erosion and will recharge the ground-water. This will, in turn, improve the environment and contribute to the agricultural output. The trees will hold the soil, preventing rapid flow of water thus checking the erosional process, controlling the formation of ravines, preventing siltation in the river and protecting the water bodies. The local species will provide Non-Timber Forest Products to provide livelihood opportunities to the community. Alongside the community, the rich biodiversity of the area will also benefit from the conservation of the soil, water and the natural habitat of the area.

Adoption Summary

• 
  Common Name
  Ber
  
  Botanical Name
  Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.
• 
  Common Name
  Shisham or Sheeshami
  
  Botanical Name
  Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC.
• 
  Common Name
  Babool
  
  Botanical Name
  Vachellia nilotica
• 
  Common Name
  Neem
  
  Botanical Name
  Azadirachta indica
• 
  Common Name
  Drumstick
  
  Botanical Name
  Moringa oleifera
• 
  Common Name
  Karanj
  
  Botanical Name
  Pongamia pinnata
• 
  Common Name
  Madras Thorn
  
  Botanical Name
  Pithecellobium dulce
• 
  Common Name
  Custard Apple
  
  Botanical Name
  Annona squamosa
• 
  Common Name
  Calcutta Bamboo
  
  Botanical Name
  Dendrocalamus strictus
• 
  Common Name
  Indian Elm
  
  Botanical Name
  Holoptelea integrifolia
• 
  Common Name
  Kanji
  
  Botanical Name
  Acacia spp.
• 
  Common Name
  Velaga
  
  Botanical Name
  Limonia acidissima
• 
  Common Name
  Kashid
  
  Botanical Name
  Peltophorum pterocarpum