Socio-economic Utility of Coastal Flora Growing in and around Porbandar District of Gujarat, India
Kunal N. Odedra *
Department of Botany, M. D. Science College, Porbandar, Gujarat, India.
Faizan F. Malek
Department of Botany, M. D. Science College, Porbandar, Gujarat, India.
Devang D. Odedara
Department of Botany, M. D. Science College, Porbandar, Gujarat, India.
Rekha G. Dhammar
Department of Botany, M. D. Science College, Porbandar, Gujarat, India.
B. A. Jadeja
Department of Botany, M. D. Science College, Porbandar, Gujarat, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Porbandar District, situated on the western coastline of Gujarat, India, boasts a diverse array of coastal flora with potential socio-economic and ecological significance. This study, conducted in 2022, aimed to systematically survey the coastal plant species within the district and compile their documented uses through an extensive review of ethnobotanical literature from various regions. A total of 96 species belonging to 38 families were identified during the survey. The reviewed literature provided valuable insights into the traditional medicinal, agricultural, and socio-cultural applications of these plants, offering a basis for their potential adaptation in the local context. This research highlights the critical role of coastal flora in supporting biodiversity and livelihoods while emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into sustainable management practices. The findings serve as a resource for conservation strategies and the promotion of socio-economic development in coastal areas.
Keywords: Coastal flora, socio-economic utility, ethnobotanical review, sustainable management, biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, coastal communities