Giant Trees for Climate Change Mitigation in India

Dear Supporter,

Greetings from AERF!

Over the last two years, we have learned a lot about importance of and challenges associated with conservation of Giant trees. One of the important learnings has been that the large trees when standing in isolation are far more vulnerable to breaking down due to storm than when found in a group of trees. Thus we thought of mapping clusters of trees of medium and large size in Sangameshwar block. We focused on the species- Terminaila bellirica as this tree forms a large canopy and is preferred by big birds such as hornbills , eagles and many canopy dependent mamals such as civets, squirrels and monkeys. In addition these trees also attract bees for setting up hives. Importantly, these trees produce fruits that have medicinal value and if certififed, these fruits can generate sustainable income for local communities and which might prevent felling of these trees for short term needs of the owners. 

AERF field staff mapped some 113 trees of different sizes that were found in groups. The owners of these trees were also identified and discussions were held about perceptions of the owners and their expectations.

Importantly, we also tried to understand two parameters that would influence the growth and survival of these trees a) overlap between the locations of these trees and the network of streams b) proximity of the trees to human settlements. 

The proximity of the trees to human settlements will certainly influence the way these trees will be managed.

Thus it will be increasingly important to engage with local communities and understand their expectations for ensuring long term survival of these trees. As one can see from the map of the trees in the attachment, mosst of the trees are medium sized and few are very large.

It is our hope that with your support and continuous engagement with local communities, we will be in a position to set up a network of future giant trees across the Western Ghats.

Clusters of large trees if managed well could serve as stepping stones for many large bird species and canopy dependent mammals. 

In the coming months, we will be engaging more intensively with local communities for communicating the importance of saving these trees for conservation of many rare species and in maintaining a healthy climate.

Thanks for your continued interest in the giant tree campaign. 

It is often the case that we as organizations or individuals hesitate from sharing bad things that happened to us or things that have gone wrong. In short we do not report on failures. Primary reason being that it may damage our reputation!

However in doing so, we deprive others of a very important learning and key insights into what actually is supposed to happen more often- things not working out the way we anticipated.

Here i am going to share a story of a Giant tree that we saved from being felled for immediate economic gains about an year ago and that eventually fell naturally in a storm. The lessons that we learned from this incident are very important and highly intrigueing.

One of important reasons behind fall of this tree was that it had hollowed out at its base and in the main stem. While this seems obvious, what was not known about such hollow trees in the tropical countries that is that as these trees start ageing , they pass on all the important nutrients to the soil and share those among the network of trees surrounding them. There is a growing scientific evidence in support of this statement. How amazing is that ? 

Secondly, at the time of its fall, it was loaded / flourishing with fruits. Our field team collected about 2 tonnes of fruits from this tree. Since these fruits have medicinal value and we have developed a value chain around that we made every effort to collect the fruits from its fallen branches.

Upon serious reflection, we realized- what a graceful way of ending once life ? 

Giving out everything that one has without any expectations till the very last moment.

There is lot that one can learn from nature but Giant trees are exceptional teachers of lasting values in our opinion. 

Another reason behind fall of such Giant trees is that they are isolated and fighting it out on their own.

In a forest, they might get some cover from surrounding trees and live longer. However in the forests in the region where we work and those in particularly not getting legal protection, one does not come across large trees. Thus we must make an effort to conserve these trees wherever they are. 

Another important lesson for us and something that we acted upon quickly was to bring middle aged trees under conservation management so that future generations can experience the glory and get an opportunity to learn values of giving and selflessness from the Giants. 

AERF team actually signed conservation agreement for saving 33 mid sized trees in village Palu in Lanja block and 12 mid sized trees of Terminalia bellirica by giving direct cash incentives to the owner as a result of this incident.

As is said in a war you lose some, you win some battles. 

Thanks for your continued support to and interest in our initiative.