Background

The Unclassed State Forests (USFs) of Arunachal Pradesh forests harbor a rich diversity of medicinal plants which are highly valued in the market and are sources of livelihood to many Tribal Communities. These medicinal plants are often traded through middle men and with traders with scant regard for the ecology of the region and apply unsustainable extraction methods and techniques. The absence of working schemes in the (USFs) of the state which is a statuary requirement for utilization of the natural resources have aggravated the situation, and is presently a cause of concern.. Lack of scientific and ecological information, difficult terrain and apprehensions of the local community members of loosing ownership of community forests land has been the prime reasons for non existence of working schemes. Preparation of such schemes would however require a systematic documentation on the abundance, distribution, usage of such medicinal plants and a thorough analysis of the existing market. The project envisages preparation an action plan for both kinds of medicinal plants- ones which are over and destructively harvested and also which are under-exploited and can bring in economic returns through value addition.

Objectives

The project aims at surveying the medicinal plants in western Arunachal Pradesh. The project aims at formulating good management practices and incorporating the information in the management plans of the State Forest Department.

Activities

Preliminary surveys have been carried out in a cluster of 13 villages in Western Arunachal Pradesh. Based on the results of this survey and secondary literature, nine medicinal plnat species which are in high demand have been prioritized. The next phase of the project aims at detailed participatory mapping of the eco-region and resource availability along with documentation of community perceptions on species specific harvest limits.