Tree Diversity and Carbon Sinks: Role of Village Agro-ecosystems in the Western Ghats,Karnataka, India

Tree species richness, diversity index, standing biomass and biomass carbon stocks were estimated in six villages located under three agro-ecological zones, namely, coastal, hill and plains of Uttara Kannada district, Western Ghats, Peninsular India. The study showed that land use categories other than forest support higher tree species diversity. High basal area, standing biomass and carbon stock in non-forest land categories indicates their potential as carbon sinks and for promotion of species diversity. Inclusion of other non-forest land use categories in afforestation programmes for promotion of multipurpose tree species for conservation of diversity and for enhancing carbon sinks is suggested. There is a need to promote synergy between biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration under carbon mitigation projects.