Bio-diversity

Most of the area in Rolpa (West Nepal) is covered by high hill and sub tropical forest. So, there is greater possibility of Non -Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) like Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) and other fibrous plant species. But, now-a-days forest area and NTFPs are depleting due to increased population and overextraction. Some valuable fibrous plants such as Lokta and Allo are also deteriorating due to traditional collection system. High altitude forest research also identified Allo and Lokta as economically viable NTFPs. Allo, on the other hand, is also found in cultivated private land and stream banks. But unfortunately, there is no sustainable harvesting plan for productive endeavors. Therefore, it is necessary to conserve the whole ecosystem and by sustainably harvesting the fibrous plants, rural livelihood can be improved. The project aimed to establish Allo and Lokta based cottage industry and manage the whole forest and mountain ecosystem by using sustainable harvesting techniques.

Nepal