Imparting climate resilience to Island farming system through bioshield

Abstract

Owing to their high vulnerability and low adaptive capacity, small islands in the tropics are greatly concerned about their future and management of current threat emanating from climate change. Based on the observational records and experience it was observed that these islands have been experiencing violent cyclones, sea surges and tsunami which affects their food production system and livelihood. Bioshield is one of the best options to protect these islands from these threats and provide livelihood by inclusion of multipurpose tree species. A study was carried out at Little Andaman, India to assess the impact of bioshield in protecting the agricultural land and providing livelihood security to the local population. The tsunami damage assessment showed that agriculture and settlements were relatively less affected where the tree density in the bioshield is more than 60%. The major plant species found in natural bioshield are Rhizophora spp. Sonneratia spp. Casuarina equisetifolia, Manilkara littoralis, Ficus spp., Pandanus tectorius, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Baringtonia spp. Anacardium occidentale and Syzygium spp. During the time of calamity natural bioshield provided food, fodder and source of other economic activity. Therefore bioshield should be established as a managed ecosystem in the island wherever coastal vegetation is less than 20%.