ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

CONSERVING MEDICINAL PLANTS

Unprecedented global levels of demand for rare medicinal and aromatic plants for use in natural remedies and cosmetics has led to uncontrolled collection of these plants from the forests and grasslands they are found in. Many of the delicate ecosystems that are naturally attuned to support such plants are already suffering the effects of climate change, which in conjunction with rampant habitat destruction, is leading to a huge loss of biodiversity. Much wild-harvesting typically involves methods that prevent any regeneration of the plants, and is consequently unsustainable. Numerous such plants are now endangered, and yet they play an important role in the interconnectedness of local flora and fauna, contributing to the stability of ecosystems as a whole. Moreover, a number of indigenous populations in isolated rural communities have limited access to state health care, and rely instead on the traditional medical knowledge of local healers that have for generations harnessed these medicinal plants for the health and wellbeing of their communities.

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

CONSERVING MEDICINAL PLANTS

Pragya is committed to the conservation of threatened species of medicinal and aromatic plants in the Himalayan ecosystem. In collaboration with international organisations, universities in Nepal and governments in 5 Himalayan countries, Pragya contributed to the determination of Important Plant Areas in the Himalayan Region. This included ground research and wide-ranging consultations and culminated in the publication of the findings in the 1^st State of the World’s Plants Report.

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

BIODIVERSITY AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT

Rich in endemic flora and fauna, many of which are CITES featured or IUCN-red listed, the unique and vulnerable habitats in the Nepal Himalayas are under ever greater pressure from multiple forces, including expansion of human habitations, clearing of lands for agriculture, local industry, road construction and the over-exploitation of natural resources for profit. In addition, climate change presents a serious threat to the fragile and delicately balanced ecosystem that support rare plant and wildlife, and to the livelihoods of the predominantly agrarian communities inhabiting and proximate to such habitats. Apart from shrinking resources, these ecosystems are witnessing increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters with severe impacts on resident humans and local biodiversity.

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

BIODIVERSITY AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT

In view of the high level of dependence of the impoverished rural communities on the natural resources for their household and livelihoods needs, Pragya adopts a sustainable use and management approach in its conservation programming. Watershed management is a key part of our work with rural farming communities in Nepal. We have trained communities on reclamation of wastelands and land resource management strategies such as erosion control measures and moisture conservation techniques, and facilitating greening and water retention through planting economically important tree/shrubs, fuelwood and fodder species.

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

BIODIVERSITY AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT

GEOGRAPHY / LOCATION

Pragya’s programme on Biodiversity and Habitat Conservation has been implemented in the Himalayan belt in Dolpa district in Nepal. Post the 2015 earthquake, these initiatives were taken up in Dhading and Sindhupalchok districts as well.