Bhakta Karki

Abstract

Nepal is rich in biological flora and fauna. Studies have found that 700 species of medicinal plants and 200 species of aromatic plants are available in Nepal. High value forest plant species including non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and medicinal and aromatic plant species (MAPs) are traditionally and critically associated with the majority of the rural Nepalese livelihood. Hence, the contribution of NTFPs and MAPs appears as nearly 50% of the average annual household income of 470,000 households that involve revenue of approximately US $ 850,000 for the government of Nepal. However, due to climate change and intense human pressure on forest resources, the suitable habitat is being destroyed and species such as Taxus baccata, Swertia chirayita, Nardostschys jatamasi, etc. are on the verge of extinction. Consequently, the Government of Nepal has developed various plans, programs and policies for the conservation of such species. However, with lack of proper research, policies for habitat conservation and low levels of awareness at community level, illegal poaching and haphazard collection of high value forest plant species are occurring on a large scale. Similarly, habitat size of the forest plant species are decreasing as forested land is being converted into agricultural and grazing land.

Key Words: High Value Forest Plant Species, Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Species (MAPs), Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), Nepal.