This publication is a compilation of the papers presented at the Regional Workshop on "Sharing Local and National Experiences in Conservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in South Asia" held in Pokhra, Nepal from 21st to 23rd January 2001. The book reflects the richness and diversity of the projects, development experiences, innovative ideas and both modern and traditional practices documented and presented by the policy makers, researchers, resource managers, conservation scientists, field workers, development planners and community farmers of different countries in South Asia.

The proceedings have the recommendations on future strategies for improving the thrust, focus and impact of the external support to sustainable use of medicinal and aromatic plant resources of South Asia. The technical information and institutional frameworks documented in the publication, we believe, lay a strong foundation for the systematic conservation and sustainable development of medicinal plants in the Himalayas. The book will be a good and useful source of information on medicinal plant research projects, institutions, individual researchers and bibliographic literature.