Assessing the Provisioning Services of Forest Ecosystem in a Bhuj Forest, Gujarat

This research shows the general view on acquisition of forest resources by local communities. Forest not only provides provisioning services rather it is a concrete source of economic, social, political and cultural process as well. The study is conducted in Tapkeshwari Forest which is located far district of Kuch, Gujarat named as “Bhuj”. The perception of community and impact of people on forest is main focal point of this research. Two villages named Haripur and Jadura which are adjoining villages near forest were sampled. The research was conducted merely on the basis of focal group discussion and prepared questionnaire which was asked to villagers. 82.5% of villagers responded that they collect firewood only from forest; 80% of households collect fodder from the forest and approximately 95% of households use the forest to graze their animals. Firewood is used as major fuel energy source for cooking at the households. A total of 82.5% of households were using firewood for cooking in the study area whereas 72.5% use Timber product. Haripur and Jadura village has together of 468 numbers of livestock which depend daily in Tapkeshwari Forest. Goats and Sheep are in large numbers that graze in forest for a longer period of time followed by cow. Detailed vegetation analysis and regeneration status of the forests are necessary as they form the basis for future plans to manage and restore these vanishing resources.