Policy issues and gaps for in situ conservation of agrobiodiversity in Nepal

Agrobiodiversity conservation is necessary to ensure that our rich crop diversity continues to support ecological and economic security. An enabling policy environment is essential for sustainable harnessing, value addition and utilization of agrobiodiversity resources. The paper presents the general findings of a policy case-study conducted within the Nepal component of an in situ conservation of agrobiodiversity project in Nepal. The paper presents an inventory of policy types, gaps and suggested actions, as perceived by the relevant stakeholders. A multidisciplinary team of researchers elicited, reviewed and analysed information from stakeholders, addressing agrobiodiversity use, conservation and development in Nepal. The study showed that in situ agrobiodiversity conservation has not been recognized as an important part of the biodiversity conservation paradigm. Biodiversity-related policy focuses more on forestry resources, including wildlife, than on overall genetic diversity, including agricultural crops. Current agricultural and economic policies tend to focus on introduction and promotion of major crops and modern varieties, ignoring the suitability and potential of local varieties. Currently, the country lacks coordinated research and development action plans to formulate and implement policies relevant to in situ conservation. The paper suggests actions towards formulating policies favourable to the sustainable conservation and use of agrobiodiversity in Nepal.