By Kashif Shahzad
Exploring sea Buckthron for Livelihood and Ecological Restoration in Chitral,
Chitral: The Directorate of Non-Timber Forest products, KP Forest Department Chitral Conducted a detail Assessment of Sea Buckthron locally known as Mergehnz, THE sea buckthorn (Hyppophae rhamonides) is a multipurpose hardy shrub, 2-4 meters in height, which produces valuable berries. The plant is in Upper parts of Chitral includin
g Mustuj, Laspur, Yarkhoon, Brep and Brohil Valley.
Ethno-botanically this species very important, At local level it is used as firewood, hedges, fodder and compost while it`s potential as medicine, food as well as an income-generating source are limited and has not been realized holistically, Said Ajaz Ahmed, District Representative of Non-Timber Forest Products, KP Forest Department Chitral.
Mr. Ajaz also said that Hyppophae rhamonides, Because of its severe weather resistant nature and huge root system fixing nitrogen in the soil, is regarded as an environment friendly plant. It adds to the soil fertility and helps in reclamation of degraded lands. Field Observations and surveys show that many birds’ species and wildlife depend on the plant for food and shelter.
The Directorate of Non-Timber Forest Products have mobilized and organized the local community of Laspur valley for sustainable utilization of this valuable species and potentials sites has been identified with the help of local people.
Sea buckthorn forests in the high mountain areas in Chitral plays a vital role in the amelioration of different forms of life found on the mountain ecosystem and need urgent Conservation measure to Conserve and promote this species, added by Mr. Ajaz.
Kashif Shahzad,District Chitral KP Pakistan