Combating desertification effects by participatory action and in-situ conservation of commiphorawightii: An endangered medicinal shrub in Nagarparkar hills of Tharparkar, Pakistan

Participatory oriented actions were taken in district Tharparkar to combat desertification effects through conservation of Commiphorawightii, an endangered medicinal plant and protection of local biodiversity. Synergies of various stakeholders at different levels were integrated to strengthen local ecosystem conservation project in Nagarparkar area of district Tharparkar. Indigenous communities were actively involved in in-situ Commiphorawightii proliferation, plantation and awareness raising activities. In addition, local community groups played key role in wildlife protection measures. Optimistic results were achieved in conservation activities such as exemplary participation of green guards - group ofnative motivated individuals, developed a better relationship and coordination among public, private departments and organizations to promote sustainable use of local natural resources and plantation of 4250 Commiphorawightii (three and half months old) were carried out through vegetative cuttings at the selected natural rangeland sites in the study area.