Making the poorest poorer: policies, laws and trade in medicinal plants in Nepal
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1997 |
| Authors | Olsen, C, S.; Helles, F, |
| Journal Title | Journal of World Forest Resource Management |
| Volume | 8 |
| Pagination | 137-158 |
| ISBN Number | 0261-4286 |
| Key Words | medicinal plants; essential oil plants; non-wood forest products; forest policy; legislation; trade; poverty; rural communities; hill land; mountain areas |
| Abstract | Nepal's forests are rich in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). A large number of these are commercially utilized and provide an important source of income to hill and mountain farmers. Nepal's forest policy and forest-related programmes provide perhaps the best framework for the improved utilization of MAPs of any developing country. However, the new forest legislation of 1993 and 1995 is still inconsistent with declared long-term policy objectives and will continue to be detrimental to hill and mountain farmers by lowering income from MAP collection. The underlying reasons for this dichotomy are discussed, and illustrated by a case study of the utilization of MAPs in Gorkha District, central Nepal. Alternative policy solutions are discussed, including the need to place MAPs higher on the policy agenda, re-evaluate the approach taken to MAP utilization, and fundamentally change forest legislation. |
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