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Human-Plant Diversity Interaction in Dong Na Tard Provincial Protected Area, Lao PDR and Implication for Priority Conservation Planning
Dissertation Abstract:
The study on human-plant diversity interaction and implication for priority conservation planning was conducted in Dong Na Tard Provincial Protected Area, Lao PDR, where the ecosystem services were affected by human activities. This study aimed to assess the plant diversity in the area and come up with a conservation plan for both plants and local people. System approach based on system analysis was used to understand and solve environmental complexity.
A total of 675 individuals, 70 species, and 33 families of plant diversity were documented in the park and were grouped into six forest zones: Zone 1: Dipterocarpus spp. -- Afzelia xylocarpa -- Diospyros malabarica; Zone II: Artocarpus spp. -- Ziziphus cambidiana -- Dipterocarpus spp.; Zone III: Dipterocarpus spp. -- Irvingia harmandiana -- Dialium indum; Zone IV: Dipterocarpus spp. -- Anisoptera costata -- Solanum torvum; Zone V: Dipterocarpus spp. -- Dipteroarpus macrocarpus -- Syzygium tinctorium; and Zone VI: Eucalyptus spp. -- Tectona grandis plantation. For effective conservation of such species, four critically endangered (CR), 23 endangered (EN), 31 vulnerable (VU), 11 nearly threatened (NT), and one least concern (LC) plants were categorized by this study. The first and second priority areas, which totaled 3,303 ha and 1,664 ha, respectively were presented as core areas. The remaining 1,303 ha were identified as the transition areas or areas of cooperation. These were separated by buffer zone widths of 155 m in section I, 160 m in section II, 174 m in section III, and 189 m in section IV, respectively.
The environmental variables, human disturbance, and socioeconomic characteristics of local people were the driving forces of plant diversity threats. The study on the issues is vital as a scientific approach for solving the environmental complexity. The results of the study can be used to develop conservation plan, policies, and strategies for sustainable utilization of plant diversity and for improving the well-being of local people. A strong support for a conservation program and strict enactment of laws are imperative to address the threats to plant diversity loss.