Nepal community forest develops into medicinal plant gene bank

The Jautar Community Forest in Dhankuta, Nepal, is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from a scenic picnic spot into a vital center for herbal conservation, biodiversity promotion, and eco-tourism. The long-term vision is to establish the area as a medicinal plant gene bank and a model eco-zone.

The forest is actively conserving and expanding a diverse array of valuable medicinal and herbal plant species. These include Himalayan rhubarb, chiretta, Indian bay leaf, andalusian pepper, and Himalayan yew, among others. These plants hold significant importance in both traditional healing practices and the modern pharmaceutical industry.

To facilitate this conservation effort, the Jautar Community Forest Users’ Group has designated a specific area as a special herbal conservation zone. Activities harmful to vegetation, such as collecting grass, firewood, or herbs, are prohibited within this zone. The management committee is prioritizing the preservation of rare and endangered plant species for the future.

Beyond conservation, the forest is being developed as a model center for study, research, biodiversity observation, and eco-tourism. Information boards will detail medicinal plants, their uses, and conservation status, aiming to create an "open natural museum." The area is also becoming a destination for producing quality seeds, with a patula pine plantation project underway. The Ministry of Forests and Environment has been utilizing the area for research and seed production since 2022.

While the development is progressing, local residents and visitors note the need for further infrastructure improvements, particularly concerning road access during the monsoon season. Nevertheless, the forest is already attracting daily visits for study tours and picnics, with entry fees contributing to its conservation and development.

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We are developing this area as an eco-zone. Visitors should be able to identify medicinal herbs, understand their uses and enjoy the natural environment.