Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Functions of Traditional Agroforestry Systems: Case Study from Three Tribal Communities in and Around Lawachara National Park

Abstract

Agroforestry—now-a-days considered as a future land-use strategy due to its’ structural complexity and perceived environmental benefits. The present study was performed on four contrasting traditional agroforestry systems (i.e. betel vine based Khasia agroforestry, lemon and pineapple based Tripura agroforestry, and short-term shifting cultivation practised by the Garo tribes) in Bangladesh, to realize their conservation prospects (in terms of plants, birds and mammalian diversity) and ecosystem benefits. The study identified betel vine (Piper betel) based agroforestry system in the area as critical in conserving biodiversity and maintenance of few ecosystem services. In Bangladesh, where poverty and high population density is widespread with higher dependence on forests for livelihoods and high deforestation rate, indigenous agroforestry systems could potentially be used to bridge the gap between conservation and livelihoods. Incorporating such systems in REDD + mechanism could also be used for sustainable financing of conservation projects in protected areas in human dominated landscapes.