Time to conserve the genepool of endemic forest trees of Manipur

Thounaojam Monica Devi, Neekee Thangjam
Contd from precvious issue
High extant genetic diversities and the enormous quantity of seed produced by out-crossed parent trees support adaptive responses to climate. These genetic diversities ensure forest trees survive, adapt, and evolve under changing environmental conditions.
Maintaining the genetic diversity is necessary for the survival and health of the species in the changing environment.
Moreover, the conservation of genetic diversity within the population of wild and domesticated species is one of the goals of the latest framework of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 15, 2022) signed by India with a commitment goals to the Kunming-Montreal protocol.
Therefore, it is high time for Manipur to prioritise their native and endemic tree species for conservation to compensate for the genepool loss that may be caused due to the implementation of the latest amendment of the Forest (Conservation) Act. The researchers should actively document the ethno-botanical utilisation pattern of forest tree species among all tribes and ethnic groups. For the latest, there is only one National park and one wildlife sanctuary in the state. There is a need to develop strict nature reserves to conserve specific species in their natural habitat. To fulfil the requirement of the seeds for reforestation, afforestation and ecological restoration, there is a need to demarcate Seed Production Areas, and establish seed orchards and seed gene banks of native forest species. The state requires more forests to be designated under national parks and sanctuaries. Fire-tolerant native trees may be selected to plant in fire-prone forests. In all this effort, the role of forest dwellers may also be signified by maintaining the information on species and genetic diversity of forest trees in the People’s Biodiversity Register. Such an initiative may help to move ahead with the long-term goal of conserving the diversity of state endemic forest genetic resources.
Monica is M.Sc. Intern and Neekee is PhD Scholar in the Laboratory for Conservation & Genetic Improvement of Forest Trees, Department of Forestry, School of Agriculture Science, Manipur University