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The genus Prosopis has over
forty species with only four indigenous to Asia. Prosopis
juliflora is most common across
arid and semiarid regions of the Indian subcontinent due to
its high adaptiveness to the extreme environmental
conditions. This species has been regarded as aggressive
pioneers and hence considered as a weed species in India by
virtue of its ability to occupy highly degraded land and
also encroach fertile lands in various ecosystems. This
results in ecological imbalances and economic loss;
nevertheless, it has valuable uses like nutrient enrichment
of soil, fodder for livestock, firewood, and charcoal
besides being a source of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs).
Though it seems to have immense value to poor communities in
drylands and a problematic species to productive ecosystems,
its wise use can be realizable through best possible
utilization and innovative management practices to control
the invasion and spread. Admittedly, P. juliflora has
significant potential in augmenting the rural economy and
livelihood options. The definition of problems and potential
assume significance at this time with greatest importance
attached to biodiversity conservation and protecting the
ecosystem balance in its totality.
In view of these specifics, Gujarat Institute of Desert
Ecology (GUIDE) is organizing a national symposium with an
attempt to bring together researchers, managers, decision
makers and stakeholders to a single forum to find out best
suitable management strategies. This symposium mainly aims
at addressing the core issue of management of P.
juliflora
for its economic utilities and effectively manages the
invasion, while improving the overall biodiversity. The
workshop provides an opportunity for sharing the existing
knowledgebase and debate on various themes to evolve
suitable tools for the management of the species in
ecologically fragile ecosystems and minimize threat to the
biodiversity and augment economy of the dependent community.
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