Bio-diversity

Sugandha Kokila is a valuable species found in western middle hills of Nepal. Halwar and Bijauri VDCs of Dang provide an explicit natural habitat for this species. Sugandha Kokila seed is exported to near-by Indian market. The oil extracted from pericarp is used as raw material for making high priced scent. The leftover after oil extraction is used to make essence sticks (Dhup). Beside oil from the seeds, bark and wood is used for ayurvedic medicines. Because of extensive collection without leaving any seed for germination, the species is considered to be threatened species that need urgent attention for conservation. Besides SK seeds, people collects forest products for fuel, livestock fodder and household use. There is no effective reforestation program. Therefore, the denudation caused by unwise use of natural resources is increasing. On the other hand, the local people have some indigenous knowledge of making bamboo baskets, musical instruments and earthen and metal pots. But these skills alone cannot sustain their livelihood because of lack of good market. The project thus aimed to mobilize local people and harness them the tools and techniques to cultivate Sugandhakokila at the private land, trained them in sustainable harvesting of the Sugandhakokila and thus maintain the healthy population in the forest ecosystem. The project also aimed to install a processing unit and trained them in specific livelihood training such as ginger cultivation, bee keeping to improve the local livelihood. The project area encompasses most disadvantaged ethnic groups such as Magar, Tharu, Dalit (socially discriminated groups) and Kamaiyas (ex- bounded labour). Affected during insurgency problem, the area is also poverty beaten having enough food only for six months. Most of the residents are apt to traditional farming practice and collecting firewood from nearby forest is an important income sources for these population. They collect seeds from "Sugandha Kokila", an evergreen tree species which fetch about NRs. 8000.00 per quintal

Nepal