Identification and Conservation of Important Plant Areas - Plantlife

Identification and Conservation of Important Plant Areas for Medicinal Plants in the Himalaya3.3.5. Commercial systemsVery often herbal companies buy medicinal plants from traders who draw on suppliesfrom extensive areas.Thus, the companies usually have very little idea about howecologically sustainable are their sources of supply.To contribute to conservation, it isnecessary for companies to be connected in a firm way to the actual places and peoplewhere the medicinal plants originate, i.e. to individual collectors or farmers.Thus,achievement of sustainable production at community-level (see above) is a preconditionfor achieving sustainability for industry.The community once again emerges as the keygeographical level for conservation of Himalayan medicinal plants.There are two ways toforge firm connections between industry and producers – direct purchasing orcertification.The basic deal, drawing on the interests of both parties, is for communitiesto supply sustainably produced, high quality, materials to industry, in exchange for fairand assured prices. Contractual arrangements are liable to be much easier to forge inthe Himalaya (where land-holdings are tiny and collectors numerous), if individualcollectors or farmers are organised into associations.Very little progress has been made to date in tying industry into conservation in theHimalaya. However, the company Dabur Nepal reports that it is making efforts in thisdirection in Nepal, while WWF-Pakistan has facilitated progressive agreements betweencommunities at Swat and Qarshi Industries, a pharmaceutical company based on UnaniMedicine.The Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (ANSAB)based in Nepal has developed exceptional experience in helping communities organisethemselves for sustainable production of wild commercial species. It has even achievedcertification in some cases (organic and FSC).Weighing medicinal plants, Rasuwa,Nepal Himalaya. PHOTO KAMALHUMAGAIN (ESON)3.3.6. NGO initiativesDepending on the country, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can play very usefulroles through raising public awareness about conservation of Himalayan medicinal plantsand carrying out innovative projects (especially at the critical community level). In thisway they can contribute to the development and testing of conservation methodologies,and thus provide empirical evidence to inform the development of national policies.Progress on a large scale will depend on the uptake of standard operating procedures infavour of conservation by relevant line agencies, such as the departments of forestry,agricultural, health and industry. NGOs can assist by working with these line agenciesand other partners to develop suitable protocols.Panax pseudoginseng Wall.PHOTO © ASHOKA TRUST FOR RESEARCHINTO ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT(ATREE)3.3.7. Regional collaborationThe Regional Workshop provided an excellent opportunity to discuss how regional andinternational co-operation can assist the conservation of Himalayan medicinal plants.Several networks are already active or planned, a witness to the perceived value ofinternational collaboration in this field (Box 1).According to participants at theworkshop, principal roles for regional and international collaboration include the coordinateddevelopment of case studies, the analysis of best practice and the sharing oflessons.There is no doubt that much can be gained from cross-learning between theHimalayan countries, and also with sharing information with other parts of the worldinvolved in conservation of medicinal plants. Regional and international collaboration canalso help to tackle conservation issues that cross borders, such as unsustainableinternational trade in medicinal plants.35