This project aims to demonstrate conservation of significant rare and endangered medicinal plants [Such as Dactylorhiza hatageria (Orchidaceae), Paris polyphyll (Liliaceaea), Nervilia gammieana - (Orchidaceae), Valeraina wallichii (Valerianaceae)] for the sustainable livelihoods of rural households of Gadsera and Nirauli VDCs of Doti district. The project has three specific objectives mainly focusing on the conservation and sustainable utilization of Medicianl and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) and Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in the Gadsera and Nirauli VDCs, Doti district thereby enhancing livelihoods of the rural community. This is a pro-poor, pro-women and pro-conservation initiative intending to benefit over 1700 HHs in a period of 1.5 years.

This project has been built on the footprints of MAPs and NTFPs conservation, management, marketing, value addition and value chain made by IUCN Nepal in Doti district since 2001 to 2009. This proposal will work on the issues related to the ways in which MAPs and NTFPs can be conserved and used sustainably to reintegrate rural people into economy and conservation through activities such as management, market promotion, and product diversification and benefit sharing. This will entail building local capacity, creating markets, fostering partnerships, and governing natural resources in a participatory manner at community level.