Importance and Scope of NTFPs in Context of Nepal: a Short Review

Abstract

Medicinal plants (MPs) form a high percentage of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) collected from the Himalaya. They are the major source of medication for a wide range of ailments for the rural people. Besides their importance in health care, MPs have high socio-cultural, symbolic and economic values, providing income and employment to millions of people living in the region. Unfortunately, in recent decades, the use of many plant-based NTFPs, including MPs, has gone from subsistence collection to large-scale commercial extraction, increasing the probability of over-exploitation. Knowledge of the sustainability of the use of such plant resources is thus urgently needed. Sustainability of the use and management of plant resources can be assured with an understanding of the biological/ecological, economic, socio-cultural and political aspects of resource base; understanding of the complex interactions between many of these factors; and with careful planning and management grounded in ecological principles. Management also requires understanding local perceptions, knowledge and decision making systems relating to the resources. Unfortunately, these aspects of research are greatly lacking from the Himalaya. There is a general lack of precise scientific knowledge regarding both the biological and socio-cultural aspects of the resource base and potential for sustainable harvest. This paper reviews the biological and socio-cultural aspects of research on Himalayan MPs; evaluates current issues and gaps on MP research; and outlines the approaches of ecological research in achieving harvesting sustainability of wild MP resources.