Integrating demographic modelling and ethnoecological practices to support sustainable management of non-timber forest products in Nepal

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are the major non-timber forest products (NTFPs) collected from the Himalaya. Collection of NTFPs, including MAPs, is a key economic activity in Nepal’s high mountain areas, providing income and employment to millions of people living in the region. Utilization of NTFPs appears of particular interest to ‘development cooperation’ because their exploitation is considered to be optimally adapted to the ecology and the long-term economic value of forests is higher than under other forest use systems. However, in recent decades concerns have been raised on the sustainability of NTFP harvesting challenged by factors from the social, economic and ecological perspectives.Long-term management of NTFPs requires precise scientific knowledge regarding both ecological and socio-economic aspects of the resource base and potential for sustainable harvest, based on which is developed an effective management plan addressing the issues of over-harvesting, biodiversity conservation and promotion of local livelihood. This study will assess collection and management practices of Paris polyphylla under different forest management systems, analyze impact of these practices on the population ecology of target species, and finally develop effective NTFP management framework for different components of products incorporating plans and guidelines for their sustainable harvesting.