“DESERTS are an integral part of our ecosystem and must be preserved. Eradicating deserts would be of no help,” opined Dr Tarun Kant, Link Officer, Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI). Dr Kant stated that desert vegetation consists of tree species which are climate resilient. If exposed to excessive rainfall, they may actually suffer and won’t survive.

 

“The main challenge is to reclaim the degraded desert lands and promote plantation of native species to restore ecological balance in these arid landscapes,” Dr Kant pointed out. The Rajasthan Forest Department is working in collaboration with Japan International Co-operation Agency (JAICA), in forestry and biodiversity projects. The project got a boost with the inclusion of Japanese universities in the partnership, alongside the ICFRE–Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI) at Jodhpur. “A proposal has been submitted as part of a tripartite agreement between AFRI, Rajasthan Forest Department, and JAICA to involve students from Japan-based universities,” the official said.

 

Acknowledging the proposal, Dr Kant informed that the proposal has been submitted to the Centre and is awaiting clearance. AFRI will contribute to specific components, including sand dune stabilisation, forest area mapping, and other activities related to research works. AFRI is also developing a model for sand dune stabilisation across the State’s desert regions. “We are closely working with the Forest Department on several projects and are providing technical support and expertise,” added Dr Kant.