(Efforts have been undertaken to conduct research or thematic studies and develop new technologies in forest management to efficiently restore forest vegetation and conserve forest and biodiversity.)
FED has very limited experience with forest research except for orchard and pitcher plant propagation due to insufficient human and financial resources. It is necessary to enhance research or thematic studies and develop new technologies on forest management to restore forest vegetation and conserve forests and biodiversity efficiently. Many potential themes exist, such as inventory of NTFPs, including medicinal plants, value addition of NTFPs, effective charcoal-making methods, and bamboo charcoal production.
Regarding charcoal making, villagers currently use a conventional and primitive method by mounding soil on wood placed on the ground. However, there is still room for improvement with modern technologies. Charcoal production from bamboo also has the potential to be developed, as some experiments on bamboo charcoal have already been conducted in the state. If bamboo charcoal production becomes viable, it will contribute to minimizing the use of wood for charcoal making.
Another potential theme is the development of restoration technologies for degraded areas due to coal mining. In such areas, topsoil is removed, and the remaining soil is compacted, requiring special technologies for ecosystem restoration. For example, a small-scale experimental plot for post-coal-mining land restoration is established to develop effective restoration methods.
FED, in consultation with SPMU and the Forest Departments of the ADCs, decides on research themes under the Project during the preparatory phase. Tangible or measurable outputs are set when research themes are decided. Research activities are action-oriented, with FED being mainly responsible for implementation. Collaboration with relevant departments, institutions, and community involvement is encouraged where possible.
In addition to the above potential themes, the following research topics are also prioritized:
Biological Control of Invasive Weed
Research on biological control of invasive weeds has just begun through collaboration between FED and the Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI). Since large areas of the state are affected by forest fires and covered with invasive weeds that prevent natural regeneration of tree species, enhancing and promoting this research is urgently needed. If this topic is addressed in the Project, the research continues in collaboration with RFRI. The Silviculture Division of FED is responsible for planning and coordinating with RFRI for implementing this research.
Establishment of Experimental Seed Production Area (SPA)
Establishing a Seed Production Area (SPA), such as seed orchards, is essential to securing the supply of genetically superior seeds for high-quality seedling production, which is crucial for successful forest vegetation restoration through ANR or AR. Currently, seedlings purchased from suppliers in Assam are frequently used for tree planting in Meghalaya, but their genetic resources are unknown. Most of FED’s nurseries use locally collected seeds, including those from mother trees in Reserved Forests or community forests. This situation does not ensure a stable supply of high-quality seeds. Establishing an experimental SPA will facilitate the study of proper methods for SPA or seed orchard establishment and management. The Silviculture Division of FED is responsible for this research in collaboration with the Divisional Forest Office where an experimental SPA is established.
Conservation of Endangered and Threatened Species
Meghalaya is rich in biodiversity, yet 47 species of fauna and 436 species of flora are endangered, threatened, or rare. To conserve the state’s biodiversity, research on endangered and threatened species is conducted. First, target species for research are identified based on protection priority. Then, natural habitat mapping for these species is carried out. This research involves communities, as many endangered species are confined to sacred groves protected and managed by local communities. However, community members sometimes engage in the exploitation of endangered species for sale to traders from neighboring countries without proper understanding of the species' importance. Therefore, involving communities in research and conservation efforts is essential. The Wildlife Division of FED is responsible for implementing this research.
