This paper provides information on how applied ethnobotany may lead to a better understanding of resource management in the Himalayan Region. Results are presented of various case studies conducted in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and China regarding resource management and medicinal plant management in the region. The discussions of the lessons learned from these case studies is important in order to improve future work in the subject area and to examine how ethnobotany can actually contribute to the analysis of community-based management systems, particularly medicinal plant resources. The impact of socio- cultural, economic and environmental changes on the traditional use and management of medicinal plants is also discussed, as well as the possibilities for further projects which could benefit community development and conservation in the region.