The role of biodiversity in the maintenance of ecosystem services in human-dominated landscapes: evidence from the Terai Plains of Nepal

Jessica Paula Rose Thorn, Thomas F. Thornton, Ariella Helfgott, Kathy J. Willis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Despite a rapidly accumulating evidence base quantifying ecosystem services, the role of biodiversity in the maintenance of ecosystem services in shared human-nature environments is still understudied, as is how indigenous and agriculturally dependent communities perceive, use, and manage biodiversity. This chapter presents the results of ethnobotanical surveys of wild and tended plant material conducted around rice-cultivated agroecosystems in the Terai Plains of Nepal. It shows that despite being situated in densely populated agricultural landscapes, these farms are reservoirs of biodiversity. They provide multiple provisioning, regulating and supporting goods and services that sustain livelihoods. The chapter also observes that, even today, farmers maintain a rich ethnobotanical knowledge and plants are being used for their wide-ranging benefits. It is argued that low-cost, small-scale ethnobotanical practices enhance the overall resilience of farming communities in the Terai Plains of Nepal.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge handbook of indigenous environmental knowledge
EditorsThomas F. Thornton, Shonil A. Bhagwat
Place of PublicationAbingdon
PublisherRoutledge Taylor & Francis Group
Chapter18
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9781315270845
ISBN (Print)9781138280915
Publication statusPublished - 30 Nov 2020

Publication series

NameRoutledge international handbooks

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