Bamboo Diversity and Conservation Strategies for the Future

Abstract

Bamboos are the fastest growing plant species and have influenced human development in no uncertain terms. These are gaining importance in social forestry programmes on account of a) faster growth and short rotation cycles, b) multiple uses, c) capacity to check soil erosion , d) little or no post plantation care, e) development of newer and alternative bamboo products, and f) a source for income generation at the village levels. World 's largest bamboo reserves exist in India with 29 genera spread over a hundred species. However, their over exploitation for use in paper industry and joss sticks has put tremendous pressure on the natural bamboo strands and situation has become quite an alarming one with the lack of organised efforts for bamboo rehabilitation . It is, therefore, imperative for individuals and organizations to not only conserve bamboo resources but also expand the area under bamboo cultivation. The present paper makes an attempt to highlight some of the possible conservation strategies to save this 'green gold ' forests from total annihilation.