New scientific evidence presented at the Conservation Asia Congress (CAC) Nepal 2026 is offering a roadmap for balancing biodiversity conservation with rural livelihoods by promoting more sustainable trade in Himalayan medicinal plants and fungi.

The findings were showcased during a dedicated symposium on scaling sustainable trade, organised by TRAFFIC, the Asian Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (ANSAB), and the University of Copenhagen. Experts from Greenhood Nepal, the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN), Tribhuvan University and Kumaun University also contributed to the discussions.

Selected as one of only 19 thematic sessions receiving special focus at the Congress, the symposium reflected growing recognition of the importance of wild plant and fungi trade for both conservation outcomes and economic development across Asia.

At the centre of the discussions was a clear message: conservation policies must be rooted in robust scientific evidence and linked closely with local communities that depend on natural resources.

Researchers presented findings from an extensive survey covering 700 households across 10 districts of Nepal, combined with insights generated through three decades of trade monitoring. The results reveal that wild-harvested medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and fungi play a far larger role in rural economies than official estimates currently indicate.

For mountain communities, these resources are not simply supplementary income sources—they are foundational to household economies. According to researchers, wild medicinal plants contribute nearly 30 percent of annual household cash income in many mountain regions, underscoring their importance for local livelihoods.

However, the study also highlighted emerging concerns. Evidence suggests increasing harvesting pressure and signs of resource depletion, particularly across western Nepal, where demand continues to intensify. Researchers warned that current conservation frameworks remain constrained by limited species assessments and insufficient trade data, creating challenges for effective management.

The discussions highlighted Nepal’s extraordinary biological wealth, especially its diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants. These species are deeply embedded within traditional knowledge systems while also attracting growing international demand for herbal products, wellness industries and natural ingredients.

Experts argued that if supported through sustainable harvesting systems, local processing and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, these resources could simultaneously strengthen rural incomes, incentivise conservation and support emerging green economies.

The symposium built upon broader regional efforts to strengthen evidence-based conservation and trade governance. Participants referred to a 2025 international workshop held in Chongqing, China, where governments, researchers and conservation organisations collaborated to improve scientific understanding of Himalayan medicinal plant trade and strengthen implementation of international trade regulations.

These initiatives form part of the broader Scaling Conservation of Himalayan Plants and Fungi through Sustainable Trade (SHIFT) project—a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to translate ecological and socio-economic data into practical conservation strategies.

Rather than relying solely on restrictions, the SHIFT approach integrates scientific research, community-led resource management and behavioural change strategies to support long-term sustainability.

A major component of this framework is the incorporation of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles.

Speakers emphasised that women and marginalised communities constitute a substantial portion of the harvesting and collection workforce but have historically received limited recognition, representation and economic benefits within medicinal plant value chains.

Project leaders argued that strengthening participation of these groups in governance structures and benefit-sharing arrangements is essential to achieving both social justice and ecological sustainability.

The symposium also underscored the growing influence of regional markets on harvesting practices. Demand from neighbouring countries—particularly India and increasingly China—continues to shape collection patterns and economic incentives across Nepal’s mountain regions.

As a result, participants stressed that sustainability cannot be addressed solely at the village level.

By analysing supply chains, identifying pressure points and improving legality, traceability and product quality across markets, researchers believe stronger incentives can be created for responsible sourcing practices.

Experts noted that aligning local ecological realities with regional market expectations will be critical for ensuring that trade contributes to conservation rather than resource depletion.

Bringing together ecological science, market analysis and community governance, the session demonstrated how evidence-based approaches can guide policy and practice.

Researchers concluded that protecting Himalayan biodiversity does not require choosing between conservation and development. Instead, sustainable trade models can create pathways that safeguard ecosystems while strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of mountain communities that depend upon them.

As demand for natural products continues to grow globally, the Himalayan region may increasingly become a test case for how biodiversity conservation and economic opportunity can successfully coexist.