Bio-diversity

The Tinjure-Milke Jaljale (TMJ) area is situated at the confluence of three district-Tehrathum, Sankuwashabha and Taplejung in the eastern hilly region of Nepal and comprises a vast area of 558 Sq Km. The TMJ ridge runs between the Arun and Tamor river valley and join to the main chain of the greater Himalaya in the north and north-east. A small glacier is also located on the north side of the main ridge. TMJ provides a natural niche for dozens of Rhododendron species-mixed to pure stands of over 25 species. Further more, the TMJ serves as the corridor that connect Kanchanjunga Conservation Area and Makalu Barun National Park, Makalu Barun Conservation Area and Sagarmatha National Park. Given that these are being considered for one of the largest transboundary and landscape corridor efforts with Quomologma in Tibet and Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal. The diversity of forest ecosystems has helped farmers cope with a difficult biophysical environment and tough political and social circumstances. The availability of the NTFPs in eastern Nepal is fairly high and the collection and sale of these NTFPs has traditionally been an important source of income. However many valuable NTFPs are threatened by unsustainable collection, especially for trade. The worst part is high value low volume NTFPs are traded illegally leaving inequitable (very little) share to the collectors and destroying the capacity to regenerate. The project aimed to mobilize local people sustainably manage the NTFP and improve the living condition of local poor.

Nepal