Boosting Sustainable and Equitable Trade of Jatamansi
What
Market Analysis
What
Supply and company gap analyses; sector value chain and marketing strategy and translate these into recommendations and action plans for Nepalese companies; connecting Nepalese companies to the European market with B2B matchmaking and support development of marketing materials.
Where
In Mugu and Jumla districts of Northwest Nepal
When
2018-2021
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Habitat loss and overexploitation of Jatamansi has led to a degradation of the species, which poses problems for the incomes of collectors. This is why Jatamansi was listed in CITES. Collectors and traders need to take strict measures to ensure conservation of the species. However, there are no economic incentives for trade in sustainably sourced CITES-listed species. In addition, local income has been held back by a low value addition, a lack of direct access to international markets and an unclear legal situation around its international trade
Curious about Jatamasi?
Jatamansi (Nardostachys grandiflora) only grows naturally in the Himalayan range, mainly in Nepal, India and China. The root of this plant is used in traditional medicine. Its essential oil is also used in cosmetics and aromatherapy. The plant is one of the most commercially used and widely used species in Nepal: each year between 100 and 500 tons of rhizomes are harvested in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. At least 15,000 people in the Himalayan region depend on the Jatamansi harvest for 25% of their annual income.
What did we do?
Legislation and CITES implementation
It is now again possible to grant export permits for Jatamansi.
Sustainability Standards Training
Extensive training materials were developed on sustainable harvesting (in Nepali).
Harvesters
Received training in sustainable techniques and FairWild standard requirements.
Hectares
Of community forests were operationally reviewed to integrate sustainable harvesting practices in alignment with the FairWild Standard.
Value addition
People
Were trained to target CFUGs on their safe operation and management. Implementation of the FairWild standard was facilitated.
Distillation facilities
Were upgraded in the project area.
Nepalese supplies
Received recommendations to develop their marketing strategy and action plans, based on the value chain and marketing strategy for the sector developed by ProFound.
Direct links to importers in Europe and US were facilitated by ProFound. Two of the companies supported also successfully presented their products at Biofach in 2020.
Linking to markets
Webinar ‘Meet the Nepalese producers’
As the project came to an end, ProFound, TRAFFIC, ANSAB and FairWild organised a webinar to present the outcomes of the project and introduce four Nepalese Jatamansi exporters to the audience.