The Sikkim Himalaya, a biodiversity hotspot, is endowed with a rich tapestry of bio-resources and medicinal plants. This region’s unique altitudinal gradient fosters a diverse range of plant life, many of which have been utilized by local communities for centuries in traditional medicine. The Sikkim Himalaya has a long history of forest management and conservation policies dating back to the early twentieth century, which have been instrumental in protecting valuable species and maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem. However, the medicinal plant trade faces challenges due to geopolitical changes and the emergence of middle agencies. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative offer the potential for reviving trade routes and market linkages. To ensure the sustainable utilization of these resources, it is crucial to promote sustainable harvesting practices, document and scientifically validate traditional medicinal knowledge, and establish fair market mechanisms. By doing so, the Sikkim Himalaya can continue to be a source of well-being for both local communities and the wider world.

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Bioresources and Conservation Strategies in the Sikkim Himalaya: Past and Present

  • Durga Kumar Pradhan,
  • Kishore Kumar Thapa

摘要

The Sikkim Himalaya, a biodiversity hotspot, is endowed with a rich tapestry of bio-resources and medicinal plants. This region’s unique altitudinal gradient fosters a diverse range of plant life, many of which have been utilized by local communities for centuries in traditional medicine. The Sikkim Himalaya has a long history of forest management and conservation policies dating back to the early twentieth century, which have been instrumental in protecting valuable species and maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem. However, the medicinal plant trade faces challenges due to geopolitical changes and the emergence of middle agencies. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative offer the potential for reviving trade routes and market linkages. To ensure the sustainable utilization of these resources, it is crucial to promote sustainable harvesting practices, document and scientifically validate traditional medicinal knowledge, and establish fair market mechanisms. By doing so, the Sikkim Himalaya can continue to be a source of well-being for both local communities and the wider world.