Heritage Non Timber Forest Product Use and Management by Indigenous Community in Northeastern Himalayan Hotspot, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Arunachal Pradesh (AP), one of the northeastern Himalayan states of India, is rich in biodiversity. The threat of destruction of certain species makes it a hotspot which merits urgent attention. A literature survey revealed that more than 21 indigenous communities and 110 sub-communities are dependent on the biodiversity for basic needs like, food, medicine, shelter, energy, veterinary care and ecosystem services. It further showed that more than 950 plant species are known to these communities as heritage Non Timber Forest Product (NTFP) due to knowledge passed over generations. Out of these, there are 215 fruits, 300 vegetables, 565 medicines, 38 minor shelter materials, 21 fuel provider and 170 other products for miscellaneous uses. Several of these species have commercial potential and could be used for increasing income and employment opportunities, especially for the poor and otherwise disadvantaged people of the region. Such species require innovative attention to enhance the value of products, which in turn would improve the standard of living of the people. However, the scaling up of commercialization might problematize sustainable management of bioresources. Therefore, this could be balanced by home gardening or domesticating the commercial species, along with scientifically improved harvesting or silvicultural operations, and establishing conservation reserves in forests. A key feature of successful approach to NTFP management will be sound monitoring and evaluation of the programme taken up for marketing and conservation of vulnerable species.