Local Socio-Economic Dynamics Shaping Forest Ecosystems …
49
livestock rearing in middle altitudes (1000–2000) and livestock rearing and MAP
collection in higher altitudes (>2000 m amsl). It is clear that not acknowledging
rights of locals and indigenous communities has likely led to illegal harvesting from
forests by locals.
Dwarf or ringal bamboo (out of five species only two Drepanostachyum falcatum
and Thamnocalamus pathiflorus) species are observed to be removed at an average
number of 500 culms/household/biannualy as strong crop support to local Cucurbit and Kidney bean plants in Upper Kedarnath valley. Bamboo culms are no cost
resource supporting daily subsistence and also alternative livelihood (by making and
selling baskets etc.) supporting their socio-economic conditions. Most flexible and
strong bamboo culms were observed to grow in higher reaches of timberline forests
hence, their large scale removal may affect forest health of these fragile ecosystems
in higher reaches. Ringal bamboo species are under threat because of unregulated
removal from high altitude forests and hence, ban has been imposed on collection
from valley forests of Kedarnath, Chopta etc. by forest department since 2005. Few
such NTFP/MAP removal examples that are leading to major biodiversity loss and
habitat degradation because of poverty, lack of understanding among locals how
these extractions are ruthlessly damaging fragile and sensitive forests are presented
below.
4.4.1 Prevalent Socio-Economic Driver Behind Extraction of Cordyceps
Sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis commercially referred as Himalayan Viagra is a fungi and parasite that grows on larval stage of a lepidopteran species in alpine pastures of Central
Himalayas. Species has been in huge demand internationally because of its proven
aphrodisiac properties in Chinese medicine and for locals it has been a gold rush.
Cordyceps grows above 4000 m amsl in alpine pastures near snow line in all the
study sites and is collected during snow melt period post winter months (from April
to mid June). China is important market for Coryceps and the species is also used
during religious ceremonies in Indonesia and Tibet. Collection and trade of Cordyceps is largely illegal and unregulated in Central Himalayas. The important driver of
ruthless extraction of species is poor socio-economic status of locals, availability of
the species in nearby alpine area and collection area being close to China borders.
The species has high rates in local hidden markets (from 55–65,000 in 2004 to 10–
1,500,000 per kg in 2017) and has the potential to fetch more than 4,000,000/kg in
international market of China. Rates for the species have multiplied every passing
year because of it’s unending demand. This species has unorganized trade and significant impact on rural economy in remote and undulating valleys of Central Himalayas.
Empty villages during summer months and degraded alpines because of extensive
human encroachment are clear reflections of socio-economics being a mega driver
to huge biodiversity loss. College going students return to village for collection of
species spending many days in cold and harsh conditions. Nepali immigrants from
bordering Nepal are also involved in illegal trade coupled with poaching activities.
49
livestock rearing in middle altitudes (1000–2000) and livestock rearing and MAP
collection in higher altitudes (>2000 m amsl). It is clear that not acknowledging
rights of locals and indigenous communities has likely led to illegal harvesting from
forests by locals.
Dwarf or ringal bamboo (out of five species only two Drepanostachyum falcatum
and Thamnocalamus pathiflorus) species are observed to be removed at an average
number of 500 culms/household/biannualy as strong crop support to local Cucurbit and Kidney bean plants in Upper Kedarnath valley. Bamboo culms are no cost
resource supporting daily subsistence and also alternative livelihood (by making and
selling baskets etc.) supporting their socio-economic conditions. Most flexible and
strong bamboo culms were observed to grow in higher reaches of timberline forests
hence, their large scale removal may affect forest health of these fragile ecosystems
in higher reaches. Ringal bamboo species are under threat because of unregulated
removal from high altitude forests and hence, ban has been imposed on collection
from valley forests of Kedarnath, Chopta etc. by forest department since 2005. Few
such NTFP/MAP removal examples that are leading to major biodiversity loss and
habitat degradation because of poverty, lack of understanding among locals how
these extractions are ruthlessly damaging fragile and sensitive forests are presented
below.
4.4.1 Prevalent Socio-Economic Driver Behind Extraction of Cordyceps
Sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis commercially referred as Himalayan Viagra is a fungi and parasite that grows on larval stage of a lepidopteran species in alpine pastures of Central
Himalayas. Species has been in huge demand internationally because of its proven
aphrodisiac properties in Chinese medicine and for locals it has been a gold rush.
Cordyceps grows above 4000 m amsl in alpine pastures near snow line in all the
study sites and is collected during snow melt period post winter months (from April
to mid June). China is important market for Coryceps and the species is also used
during religious ceremonies in Indonesia and Tibet. Collection and trade of Cordyceps is largely illegal and unregulated in Central Himalayas. The important driver of
ruthless extraction of species is poor socio-economic status of locals, availability of
the species in nearby alpine area and collection area being close to China borders.
The species has high rates in local hidden markets (from 55–65,000 in 2004 to 10–
1,500,000 per kg in 2017) and has the potential to fetch more than 4,000,000/kg in
international market of China. Rates for the species have multiplied every passing
year because of it’s unending demand. This species has unorganized trade and significant impact on rural economy in remote and undulating valleys of Central Himalayas.
Empty villages during summer months and degraded alpines because of extensive
human encroachment are clear reflections of socio-economics being a mega driver
to huge biodiversity loss. College going students return to village for collection of
species spending many days in cold and harsh conditions. Nepali immigrants from
bordering Nepal are also involved in illegal trade coupled with poaching activities.