This is the third issue of the Nepal
NTFP Network (NNN) Newsletter and the first inaugural issue under the newsletter's
new name Himalayan Bioresources. The network continues to expand
its scope of activities (see Network Updates) and we are all proud to see
such a breadth and depth of NTFP-related activities taking place in Nepal
and the rich exchange of experiences and ideas that are being shared through
the NNN. Himalayan Bioresources will be published twice a year and will
cover a variety of NTFP issues including, but not limited to, sustainable
harvesting, marketing, forest user groups, enterprise development, sustainable
use strategies, plant profiles and new information on NTFPs.
In this issue, we have reports on
field initiatives from five areas of Nepal (Humla, Koshi Hills, Dolakha,
Ramechhap, and Bajura). Some groups are just embarking on their activities
while others have years of work completed. The spectrum should be
interesting and useful to other groups and assisting organizations as they
can see through the stages of development and the progress that is possible.
The newsletter will also provide "implementation tools". These are methodologies,
biological study results, policies explained, and ‘how to’ articles. Our
regular features plant/product profile; network updates; workshops, meetings
and trainings; and publications & reports are also loaded with interesting
information.
Nepal Non-Timber Forest Products
Network (NNN), established in 1995 is the first forum in Nepal that
brings together community, business, environmental and government representatives
to discuss and work together for promoting sustainable use and management
of NTFP resources. The Network is coordinated by ANSAB and has been conducting
several activities to achieve its objectives. It has successfully provided
support services to various groups and individuals interested in NTFPs.
A sample of past activities include:
-
Coordinated several applied field
research studies on NTFPs, resource management and biodiversity conservation.
The reports are available at ANSAB library.
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Facilitated its member organizations
and others to start collaborative activities (training, studies, and technical
assistance) at field level. This type of collaborative approach, which
is still limited in Nepal, will help to avoid the duplication of work.
Several organizations and people have shown a positive response to this
approach of the network.
-
The NNN-Advisory Group (NNN-AG*)
is planing to develop a user-friendly NTFP training manual for different
target group in Nepali language.* NNN-AG is an informal group of Nepal
NTFP Network (NNN) members, who are active and/or interested in the field
of NTFPs management. NNN-AG was formed in November 1998 to complement network's
role in promoting the activities at the ground level in a more practical
way.
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Conducted & collaborated national
workshops and trainings on various aspects of NTFPs.
-
A task force of the NNN-AG is trying
to develop a model for a Market Information System. It is expected to help
collectors and local traders in increasing their profits through increased
access to reliable market information in NTFP sector.
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Sustainable
Harvesting Means More than Amount Harvested 