Bio-diversity

Nepal government in 2001 in pursuant with forest act 1993 has categorized Cinnamomum glaucescens (Nepali name Sugandha Kokila) as the species, which can only be exported after processing within the country. In Nepal, it can be found in western region especially in Dang and Salyan district but the conservation status of this important medicinal and aromatic plant is deteriorating due to haphazard collection. The project aimed at conservation of this important aromatic plant by involving local communities which include indigenous Magar and Tharu and socially discriminated Dalit groups. The project is expected to conserve nearly 500ha of mountain forest ecosystem which is also home for Rhododendron, orchids and leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis- protected by National Park and Wildlife Protection act 1973 and categorized as CITES Annex II). Likewise the project would also explore the market potential for the essential oil produced from Sugandha Kokila. Local study also revealed that the project area is also a home for a number of indigenous rice cultivars such as Dunmune, Simtharo, Remanuwa, Tilki and Anadi. The project would also try to explore the ways to conserve them.

Nepal