Chapters authored
Forest Science and Ecosystem Sustainability: Beyond the Ecological and Economical Paradigms
Sustainability of the forest implies conservation, adaptation, the development of resilience, and the promotion of social equity among rural stakeholders. As the social, economic, and ecological dimensions are the three major pillars of sustainable development, addressing these issues is a challenging task in fulfilling the SDGs. Now that we are actually moving through the Anthropocene era, forests are facing multifaceted challenges that need to be dealt with in a holistic and integrated manner. There should be a transformation in thinking in terms of going beyond the ecological and economical perspective and outlook of the forest. The present chapter aims to address issues that go beyond the ecological and economical paradigm and understand the transformation in forest conservation approaches, along with exploring the socio-cultural and religious values of the forest ecosystem. The major outcome of the present chapter includes the realization of ethical, spiritual, traditional knowledge, and ecological wisdom perspectives of the forest as an important part of forest ecosystem sustainability, apart from the consideration of the forest as a commodity to be overexploited. This, in turn, would develop the resilience of the forest ecosystem from all perspectives. Resilience may be against changing climate, biodiversity loss, alteration in ecosystem structure and function, land use and land cover changes, etc. Such ways of transformation of recognizing the non-asset values of the forest would aid in enhancing the effectiveness of forest conservation in the era of globalization and a changing climate.
Part of the book: Forest Science and Ecosystem Sustainability
Unfolding the Ecological Tapestry of Angiosperms: A Review
Globally, angiosperms are one of the most influential groups, representing more than 3 lakh species, of 80% known vegetation. Angiosperms, or flowering plants, are the pivotal architects that bridge the functional ecologies of multiple ecosystems and are woven into a living tapestry. These plants, in addition to their role in primary production, help regulate energy flow across different trophic levels. Moreover, they serve as shelters for various pollinators and are associated with microbiota that aid in nutrient cycling and resilience. This co-evolutionary interrelationship with herbivores, pollinators, and seed dissemination regulates the structure, distribution, and overall biodiversity. The multifaceted mechanistic roles of angiosperms contribute to bioresources and the complex tapestry of contemporary ecosystems. In a nutshell, angiosperms underpin the stability of ecosystems by offering various roles and functions toward ecological balance.
Part of the book: Flowering Plant Species