FSC Certification Feasibility Assessment Report

FSC Certification FeasibilityAssessment ReportHimachal Pradesh,India

WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE - INDIA172-B, Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110 003Tel : 91-11-24654889, 24616532, 24691760 / 61 / 62Fax : 91-11-24691226, 24626837E-mail : [email protected] us at : www.wwfindia.org

Technical ReportJune 2004

Forests & Biodiversity Conservation ProgrammeWORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE-INDIA

172-B, Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110 003, Tel : 91-11-24654889, 24616532, 24691760 / 61 / 62Fax : 91-11-24691226, 24626837, E-mail : [email protected], Visit us at : www.wwfindia.org

FSC CERTIFICATIONFEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Ajay Rastogi and Ruchi Pant

Content

A. Summary and Recommendations .....................................................1

1. Details of Client Requesting Assessment .........................................5

2. Introduction .........................................................................................6

3. The Group Management System ....................................................10

4. Evaluation of Proposed Sampling Plan Methodology ....................12

5. Forest Management Plan Summary ................................................14

6. Other Activities .................................................................................16

7. Stakeholders .....................................................................................17

8. Strengths, Weaknesses and Issues ................................................18

9. Flow Control & Chain of Custody of Products ................................36

ANNEXURES

1. Participatory Forest Management Rules ........................................38

2. Memorandum of Understanding ......................................................41

3. MPPAS Inventory ..............................................................................44

4. Monitoring Format ............................................................................47

Acknowledgements

The repor t was commissioned as a par t of ongoing work on medicinal plantsconservation and sustainable utilization in the eco zone of the Great Himalayan NationalPark (GHNP). Considerable effor ts have been made by the GHNP administrationtogether with a local NGO called SAHARA in mobilizing the local community in formationof women self help groups. Firstly, acknowledgements are due to these communitygroups because it is their hard work that has led to the success of enrichment plantingin the Medicinal Plant Propagation Areas. Secondly, acknowledgements are due tothe members of SAHARA and staff of GHNP administration at all levels. The leadershipto this effort has come from Mr. Sanjeeva Pande, Director of GHNP and his seniordepar tmental colleague Mr. Vinay Tandon. This effor t over the last 4 years hassuccessfully solicited external support from the National Medicinal Plants Board andthe Van Vanaspathy Scheme of the Government of India, New Delhi besides othersources.

The UNESCO/WWF/Kew People and Plants Initiative has been participating in thesedevelopments since 2001. Dr. Susanne Schmitt of WWF UK together with Dr. YildizAumeeruddy-Thomas, coordinator of the Himalayan Region, perceived this need toundertake the feasibility assessment and orient all concerned stakeholders in GHNPin Forest Stewardship Council cer tification. Their colleagues in the Forests andBiodiversity Conservation Division of WWF India, namely Sudipto Chatterjee, ManishPande, Bishmbhar Dutt and Geetika Goswami also got fully involved and facilitatedeffective implementation. Acknowledgements are due to all of them and others in thefinance section of WWF UK and WWF India. In addition, some associates found timeto visit the field and provide independent inputs and we would like to put on record thecontribution of Mr. Sanjay Joshi.

propagation of some of theseendangered species.

� Three such species � Picrorhizakurrooa, Dioscorea deltoideaand Valeriana hardwickiiresponded extremely well tomass propagation in nurseriesand experimental plantationtrials in the forests.

� In order to launch variousincome-generating schemesamongst the poor in the ecozone, GHNP managementtogether with a NGO calledSociety for ScientificAdvancement of Hill and RuralAreas (SAHARA) initiated aprocess of formation of WomenCredit and Saving Groups(WCSG).

� Besides other activities,WCSGs also saw economicpotential in propagation andtrade of medicinal plants. EachWCSG was allocated about ahectare of forest land, initialplanting material, part financialsupport to compensate forsome labour inputs over threeyears in planting and after-careof the enrichment plantation forthe above-mentioned species.These forest lands are calledMPPAs.

� Depending on land (altitudeand soil) suitability, WCSGsselected the species or the mixof species for propagation inMPPAs.

� Standard technical inputs foruniform silvi-cultural treatmentwere provided to the WCSGsthrough training programmes.

� GHNP has systematicallycreated a complex of nationalpark, sanctuaries and multipleuse area (eco zone) and legallysettled rights of people to freethe national park of allanthropogenic disturbance andthus affording completeprotection to a high valueforest.

� The eco zone is the area thatneeds most managementinputs in terms of devisingincome generatingprogrammes for the residentcommunities without causingany undue impact on theforests.

� Non � timber forest products,particularly medicinal plantshave long remained aremunerative activity for theresident population. However,as a result of exploitativeharvests natural populations ofsome of the commerciallyimportant species had reachedso low that they werecategorized as threatened,vulnerable and endangered.

� Many of them were thusbanned for collection andexports. This furtheraggravated the situation withregard to socio-economicdependence on the forestresources.

� The GHNP management as aresponse under the fundsavailable through World BankEco-development Project andother assistance startedvarious schemes. One was toraise nurseries for mass

A. SUMMARY

1. Update � Progress of Medicinal PlantPropagation Areas (MPPA) project in theGreat Himalayan National Park (GHNP)towards FSC Certification

Feasibility Assessment Report Himachal Pradesh, India 1

� This activity of GHNP/ SAHARA/WCSGs was also partlysupported by People andPlants Initiative of WWF/UNESCO and Kew. They sawthe potential of FSCcertification for the forestmanagement in MPPAs. Thisreport is the result of theassessment of the activitiesagainst FSC Principals andCriteria (PC) being supportedby the People and PlantInitiative.

� MPPAs and MPCA (MedicinalPlant Conservation Areas) areincreasingly gaining ground asa useful concept across thecountry and FSC certificationcould be a potential tool forother project managers toconsider.

2. Specific Conclusionsin relation to FSCcertification of theproject andrecommendationsThe project activities werestrengthened during the course ofthis assessment as awareness onvarious requirements of FSCprinciples and criteria was enhancedat the level of the GHNPmanagement, SAHARA as well asWCSGs. Through discussions andtraining on various aspects andstreamlining documentationrequirements, project is currentlymuch better prepared to go througha full evaluation. Some of theimportant issues are briefly beinghighlighted here while they have beendealt with in the relevant sections ofthe report:

1. Legal and InstitutionalFramework:

1.1. The Forest Conservation Act(FCA), 1980, does not allowpursuance of any non-forestactivity in any forest land. The

FCA considers plantationincluding plantation ofmedicinal plants as a non-forest activity. However, in thiseco-development project, thesaid activity is being perceivedas an enrichment plantation,which aims to augment thepopulation of local andindigenous species ofmedicinal plants withoutdisturbing the natural forestecosystem, thereby fulfilling theoverall objective ofconservation in the nationalpark complex.

1.2. Another important developmentthat further strengthens thecase is formulation of HimachalPradesh Participatory ForestManagement (PFM) Regulationin 2001. This Regulation appliesto such Government forestsand such Government landsincluding the common land,which shall be selected jointlyfor Participatory ForestManagement by the Societyand the Department. Rule 3 ofthe PFM Regulation 2001, hasenabled the Forest Departmentto bring the Government Forestin the eco-zone area of theGreat Himalayan National Parkunder participatorymanagement, where MPPAs areestablished and WSCGs areoperating.

1.3. Rule 4 of the same PFMRegulation allows for formationof Village Forest DevelopmentSocieties (VFDS). The ForestDepartment�s intention is torename the WSCGs as VFDSsto give a legal standing to theWSCGs. This intention of theForest Department to renamethe existing WSCGs as VFDSsis likely to create problems asthere is no provision in theregulation to restrictmembership to VFDSs.Whereas members of a WSCGare chosen and organised in agroup with great care keepingin mind the homogeneity of themembers in a group.

Feasibility Assessment Report Himachal Pradesh, India2

1.4. The Forest Department hasdeveloped a memorandum ofunderstanding to be signedbetween the WSCG and theForest Department. Thismemorandum authoriseswomen groups to harvestmedicinal plants cultivated onMPPAs. But there is a provisonto this rule, which states thatthe harvest process should notadversely impact the forestland in MPPAs. This provisoneeds to be further elaboratedto ascertain the factors that arelikely to have an adverseimpact. Else the proviso couldbe misused in any future timesagainst the interests of theWSCGs.

1.5. One of the limitations of the twoMemorandums ofUnderstandings � one betweenthe Panchayat1 and Women�sSavings and Credit Group andthe other between the ForestDepartment and the Women�sCredit and Savings Group; isthe fact that they have no legalsanction. As per the directiveunder the PFM regulation, localcommunities desirous ofentering into partnerships withthe State Government for thispurpose should organisethemselves into the VillageForest Development Society asthe WCSG could not qualify forsuch a society in its presentform.

1.6. Out of the three, two species �Picrorhiza kurrooa andDioscorea deltoidea areincluded in CITES Appendix IIand also under Government ofIndia negative list of exports.Provisions are in place tofacilitate trade of these speciesfrom certified sources and FSCCertification process wouldenable high degree ofaccountability in meeting theserequirements � Certificate oforigin and Certification ofproduce emanating fromsustainable managed forests.

Recommendation: In the legal andinstitutional framework progressiveprovisions such as that of PFM rulesand the institutional arrangementcreated by the two MOUs areextremely important interventions bythe Government of HimachalPradesh. They are not in conflict withFSC P&C and feasibility ofcertification of the forestmanagement activities of MPPAs isnot in question. The conflictsmentioned above only relate tointernal streamlining between variousprovisions and the comments onMOUs emphasise how to furtherstrengthen long-term stake of thecommunity in sustainable utilizationof the forest resources. The lessonslearnt from implementation of PFMrules, the use of MOUs andmanagement of MPPAs by WCSGhold promise for similar activitieselsewhere in the country.

2. Economic Feasibility2.1. The size of each MPPA is about

1 ha. On an average 22,500plants are being planted thatcover an area of about 225 sqm on the forest floor. It will takeabout 3 years of care beforethey can be harvested andsold. Considering the effortinvolved of 10-15 members ofthe WCSG in maintaining sucha small area it would be worth awhile to expand the area ofenrichment planting in theMPPAs. High level of mortalityin the plantation of 2002 and2003 could be attributed to lackof interest in post plantationcare by the WCSGs besides ahost of technical factors.

2.2. Some of the plants could fetcha better price depending on theamount of active ingredient e.g.Saponin in Dioscorea.Currently, our decision on whento harvest is based on thephysical growth and maturity ofthe plant and roots/rhizomes, itwould be useful to be able tocomplement these decisions

1 Democratic institution of local governance comprising of elected representatives froma cluster of villages.

Feasibility Assessment Report Himachal Pradesh, India 3

based on scientific analysis ofthe active ingredient. Such ananalysis from various sites mayalso reveal that some MPPAsare more favourable to growingDioscorea and to renderguidance on where to expandenrichment plantation of whichspecies in particular.

Recommendation: Expand area ofenrichment plantation in each MPPAbeyond the current policy of 22, 500plants. While the project treats thisfigure for each MPPA as principallying in the Bank, and encouragesWCSGs to extract whatever is inexcess of this, it does not proactivelypromote greater plantation. Theproject should set guidelines forsustainable expansion withoutcausing adverse impacts. Effortsneed to be initiated to develop micro-management plan for each MPPA toassess the potential of expansion ofplantation. Suitability of the site for aspecies and harvesting cycle couldbenefit from scientific analysis ofactive ingredient in the output.Together with the expansion plansgoes the fact that the project policyon not to allow collection of any

planting material from the naturalpopulations in the forest would needto implemented strongly. At the sametime, periodic monitoring of survivalpercentages in MPPAs, utilization ofPicrorhiza plants for propagation bycuttings; and accurate updatedrecords of nursery journals would bea much rigorous exercise.

3. MPPA area and Maps3.1. Though each MPPA can be

identified in the field, exactlimits, area and boundaries arerather vague. There areexcellent maps of the GHNPcomplex and there is detailedmap of eco zone with locationof each village marked on it.What is not available so far isthe map of each MPPA.

Recommendation: The area of eachMPPA should be measured andrecorded and a map produced withclear identification of boundaries. Anotional map (not to scale) of theMPPA would be consideredappropriate together with a map ofthe eco zone showing exact locationof each MPPA.

4 Feasibility Assessment Report Himachal Pradesh, India

Organisation SAHARA/ WCSG GHNP Management People and Plants WWF IndiaInit iative

Person Mr Rajendra Mr Sanjeeva Pande Dr Susanne Schmitt; & Mr SudiptoChauhan Dr Yildiz Aumeeruddy Chatterjee

Address Bhutti Colony, GHNP Office WWF UK WWF IndiaShamshi. Shamshi. Panda House 172, B LodhiKullu � 175 126. Kullu � 175 126. Weyside Park Road, New DelhiHimcahal Pradesh Himcahal Pradesh Godalming Pin � 110 003India. India. Surrey GU7 1XR India

UKTelephone +91 1903 276882 +91 190 2265320 +44 1483 426444 + 91 11 51504785Email saharaghnp@ dirchnp@ sschmitt@ SChatterjee@

hotmail.com sancharnet.in wwf.org.uk [email protected]

1. DETAILS OFCLIENTREQUESTINGASSESSMENT1.1. Details of contact people in theconcerned organizations for furtherdiscussion:

1.2. Details of forest manager:Jointly managed by GHNPadministration, WCSG and SAHARA.

1.3. Scope of proposedcertification: Non-timber medicinalplant species from the identifiedMPPAs in the eco zone of GHNP bymembers of WCSG.

Name of forest to be covered:Forests in the eco zone of GHNP.

Country: India

Region: Kullu district of HimachalPradesh

Latitude: 31° 23� to 32° 26� N

Longitude: 76° 59� to 77° 51� E

Area of the forest to be covered: 56hectare until January 2004

Approximate annual harvest:Species wise projections for 2005and 2006 mentioned in section 5:Management Plan summary.

1.4. Forest Types: Five broad foresttypes are recognised within the park.

� Sub-tropical pine forest,characterized by chir pinebetween 600-1700m

� Himalayan moist temperateforest, characterized by bothconifers and broad leavedspecies between 1250-3600m

� Sub-alpine forest dominated bybirch and fir species between3000-3500m

� Moist sub-alpine scrubcharacterized byRhododendron speciesbetween 3000-3500m

� Dry alpine scrub characterizedby Juniper species between3400-3800m

All the above forest types are foundin the eco zone area as well.However, considering the humanhabitation and access to forests forpeople to manage, MPPAs lie mainlyin the zone from 1250-3600m,dominated by subtropical pine forestand himalayan moist temperateforests.

1.5. SLIMF Eligibility Assessment:FSC allows all certification bodies toapply a simpler approach to thecertification process for Small andLow Intensity Managed Forests

5Feasibility Assessment Report Himachal Pradesh, India

(SLIMF). There is a reasonablysophisticated criteria for assessingprojects that engage in extraction oftimber whether they are eligible forSLIMF or not. However, as per SLIMFcriteria all projects dealing only withharvesting of Non-timber forestproducts only are eligible and thereare no detailed criteria.

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1. General BackgroundGreat Himalayan National Park(GHNP) is an important protectedarea in the Western Himalayan regionof India. In contiguity with GHNP(754.4 sq. km.), there are two wildlifesanctuaries - Sainj (90 sq. km.) andTirthan (61 sq. km.) and a well-demarcated eco zone (265 sq. km.).This complex is quite unique in thesense that a considerable land areais devoted to complete protection(NP) together with a fairly largemultiple use area (eco zone)inhabited by 140 villages. There arenot many protected areas complex in

the country that has been so wellplanned and protected. It is a resultof over 20 years of sustained effortsstarting from scientific surveys in theearly 80s, declaration of sanctuaries,systematic process of settlement ofrights of the local population throughthe 90s and the final declaration ofthe park in 1999. In order to protectthe biodiversity of Western Himalayanand parts of Trans Himalayanbiomes; the requirements of noanthropogenic disturbance in theNational Park; extremely limited ornegligible commercial utilization ofresources in the sanctuaries andsustainable use of the resources ofthe eco zone would have to befulfilled.

GHNP management together with theSociety for Scientific Advancement ofHill and Rural Areas (SAHARA) hasinitiated a process of formation ofWomen Credit and Saving Groups(WCSG) in the villages of the ecozone. These WCSGs are beingtrained and oriented in a variety ofincome generation schemes with thetwin objective of enhancing the

6

Jiwa Nala Parvati River

Sainj River

Tir than River

Sainj WS

Eco

Development

Zone

Tirthan WS

Palachan God

India

Great Himalayan National ParkHimachal Pradesh

Base Map

Feasibility Assessment Report Himachal Pradesh, India

economy and at the same timereducing the pressure on theresources of the park. In an effort tomeaningfully engage these peopleand develop their long term stake inresource management, pockets offorests in the eco zone have beendelineated and transferred under themanagement of WCSGs. One of theimportant activities being undertakenin these forest patches, referred to asMPPA (Medicinal Plant PropagationArea), is the enrichment planting ofcommercially valuable andendangered medicinal plants. Theconcerned WCSG is the custodian ofthe MPPA and is the beneficiary ofthe produce emanating from theseenrichment plantings.

2.2. Connection to theenvironment and socio-economics:As a part of the process ofdeclaration of the National Park,traditional rights of the local peoplewere settled in May 1999 through anelaborate procedure, as prescribed inthe Indian Wildlife Protection Act1972. This led to the issuance of finalnotification of the GHNP. The post-settlement-of-rights situation is goingto affect the Park in the followingways:

a) the biological processes, whenfree of current bioticdisturbances, are expected tobring positive changes in thestatus of biological diversity inthe park; and

b) the restrictions on access tothe Park area may have somenegative effect on the livelihoodof the local community, giventheir high dependence on herbcollection and livestockgrazing.

Extraction and sale of medicinalplants and animal husbandry havebeen two traditional activities of thelocal people through which they havebeen making a living. It is indeed achallenge to engage a population of

nearly 15000 to 1700 households in130 villages distributed in 11panchayat bodies. Almost this entirepopulation is categorised as poorand dependent on the naturalresources for their livelihoods.

Before the 1999 notification,exploitation of NTFPs in the GHNPwas largely operated through issue ofpermits for extraction and/ ortransport, which were given by theconcerned Forest Departmentauthorities. This mechanism lacksmonitoring of level of harvesting.While some monitoring mechanismwas in place for species earningsignificant revenue, medicinal plantoperations went largely unsupervisedleading to over-extraction. This hasresulted in decline of populations ofsome plants to the extent that theyhave been incorporated in the lists ofthreatened, endangered andvulnerable species.

So, while it is true that localinhabitants have the right to collectand sell medicinal plants from theeco zone area; a mechanism needsto be instituted through whichextraction could be monitored and atthe same time income from theenterprise could be equitably shared.Various primary stakeholders havecome together with an innovativemechanism to engage the womenfrom the poor households inmanaging and utilising the medicinalplants resources in the MPPAs todemonstrate conservation throughsustainable use.

2.3. Administrativecontext:The GHNP complex administration isheaded by the rank of an officer ofConservator of Forests; dulysupported by an AssistantConservator of Forests and threeRange Officers. Each range hassubordinate staff dedicated forvarious functions. SAHARA hasinformal hierarchy and 3 full time staff- one director and two fieldcoordinators. One of the field


coordinator�s jobs is to take care ofthe MPPA related activity. Thecoordinator is supported bySanchalikas (Group organizers) whoco-ordinate with WCSGs. Furtherdetails on group administration isprovided in section 3 dealing withGroup Management System. Thelegal context is dealt in detail insection 8.1 dealing with FSC principleon compliance to laws.

Forests are administratively divided inthe following categories.

Reserve Forests: The communitieshave restricted access with regard toexercise of usufruct rights therebygiving protection to these forests.

Demarcated Protected Forests: DPFhas two subclasses � First ClassForests and Second Class Forests.Both the sub-classes have varyingdegrees of restriction imposed ontheir use and exercise of rights by thelocal inhabitants. First class forestscomprise of their use and exercise ofrights by the local inhabitants. First

class forests comprise of valuableDeodar (Cedrus deodara) and BluePine (Pinus wallichii) forests and havemuch more severe restrictions whileSecond class forests are constitutedby less valuable Fir and Spruceforests and have lesser restrictions.

Undemarcated Protected Forests:also referred to as Third Class forestsare kind of open access with almostno restrictions on bona fide use otherthan felling of green timber and killingof wildlife.

In order to legitimise exercise ofrights over forest resources, therehad been in existence since Britishtimes, a system of �Right Holders�. Inthe course of declaration of variousprotected areas and gradualcurtailment of rights, a system ofsettlement of rights had also been inplace that is explained later in thereport in section 8.2 under FSCPrinciple 2 dealing with Tenure anduse Rights.

8

Garuli Village in Tirthan Valley (2400m)

Feasibility Assessment Report Himachal Pradesh, India

2.4. The target forestsunder the scope ofcurrent assessment:In the eco zone, a total of 45 MPPAs(medicinal plant propagation areas)are being covered under the currentassessment comprising a total areaof 140 acres (56 hectares). Of these,six MPPAs are under DPF and theremaining 39 are under class threeforest category. Each MPPA has adistinct identity by way of anidentification number, name and ismanaged by specified women creditand saving groups (WCSG). Exceptthe WCSG of Ropa that has twoMPPAs (Tanidhar and Ropa) undertheir control; all other groups haveone MPPA each. Hence, there are 44groups, which are being coveredunder the present assessment. Thereare more WCSGs in the eco zone, asthe numbers of MPPAs are graduallyincreasing but in order to providesatisfactory documentation todemonstrate compliance to FSCP&C, 45 MPPAs were consideredfeasible in the beginning by all theprimary stakeholders.

The process of designing andmanaging the MPPAs needs toincorporate two basic aspects.Firstly, it is expected to providegreater and sustained socio-economic benefits to the localinhabitants and secondly; as ecozone is an integral part of the over allprotected area complex; the activitiesshould facilitate improvement ofhabitats and corridors for the residentand migratory wildlife.

2.5. Products:There are many species that havebeen attempted for propagation inthe programme. In discussions withthe stakeholders and observations inthe field it was ascertained that onlythree species comprised more than99% of all planted material.Therefore, the following species arethe products for prospective FSCcertification of the forestmanagement of MPPAs:

1. Picrorhiza kurrooa (Kadu)2. Valeriana hardwickii (Mushkbala)3. Dioscorea deltoidea (Singli-mingli)


Shill Village WCSG Members working in MPPA (2300m)

3. THE GROUPMANAGEMENTSYSTEMGroup certification has evolved as amechanism wherein a group of forestmanagers/ owners can be collectivelycovered under a single certificate. Itis particularly suitable for smallholders who are vertically integratedin a single supply chain and do notrequire individual certifications.�Group certification� is beingincreasingly used in certification oforganic food and forest products.The group certification guidelinesdistinguish between two levels - the�group� level, and the �member� level.

Responsibilities are divided betweenthese two levels. The group entity orthe Group Manager makes rules formembership, conveys the standardsto all the members, keepsdocumentation on compliance byeach member, applies for groupcertification and holds control overthe certificate. The group entity(resource manager) is responsible tothe certification body for ensuringthat the requirements of thestandards are met in the forest areacovered under the certificationscheme. Institutionally, the groupentity may be a co-operative body, anowner association, or other similarregistered or unregistered body(watershed committee, growersassociation, Self Help Groups etc.).However, there have to be legallybinding contracts in place betweenthe group members and the groupentity.

The FSC Group Certificationstandards is divided into thefollowing sections:

3.1. The structure and functioning ofthe group

3.2. Group scheme requirements forall sites within the group

3.3. Monitoring of compliance withrequirements of the group scheme

3.4. Group Administration

3.5. Control over sales of certifiedproducts (chain of custody control)

3.1. The structure and functioningof the group: The groupmembers are the WCSGs andthe resource manager is thecoordinator of SAHARA. EachWCSG comprises of individualwomen members from thesame village who followcommon membership rules andengage in managing a commonresource i.e. one or two MPPAs.The current structure of thegroup comprises of 44 WCSGsmanaging 45 MPPAs coveringan area of 56 ha. The


Picrorhiza Kurrooa in Chaniara Nursery at 2900m

responsibility of coordinatingthe affairs in each group isassigned to one member whosedesignation is Sahayika (GroupLeader). These Sahayikas aresupported by a group ofSanchalikas (Group Organizers- GO) currently numbering 12.Thus, each GO supports acluster of groups. Sahayikasare paid by the members of thegroup while Sanchalikas arepaid by SAHARA. There is a fulltime MPPA coordinator on therolls of SAHARA and he isdesignated as ResourceManager. All Group Organisersand SAHARA coordinator meettwice every month on the 7th

and 22nd day of each month.Each WCSG also meets twiceevery month depending on theconvenience of the groupmembers and the GO. GOparticipates in at least onemeeting of each group everytwo months. Additionalmeetings of Sahayikas of thegroups could be held with theResource Manager as per theneed but at least once in everyquarter.

3.2. Group scheme requirementsfor all sites within the group:Group Scheme requirementsare listed in the (SAHARANiyamavali) Rule Book ofSAHARA. They encompass:

a. Only bona fide womenresidents of the eco zonevillages meeting the requiredsocio-economic criteria set upby the project are eligible formembership.

b. Each member would have topay at least one rupee(equivalent to 2 Euro cent) perday to remain a member of theWCSG group.

c. Each member would have toagree to participate in theincome generating schemesincluding management ofMPPAs.

d. Participation in the two monthlymeetings is compulsory. Thegroup leader for absence ofany member, without her priorconsent, would levy a fixed fine.All the fines are deposited inthe common fund of the WCSG.

e. Members would commit to allthe rules developed in aparticipatory manner andpassed by the majority in theGroup.

f. To exit from the group, anapplication citing reasonsthereof would need to be madeand the due financial share ofthe individual member would bepaid only after three months offormal exclusion from thegroup.

g. So far, there are no specificresolutions on agreement toFSC P&C by the members andthey are being developedbased on the needs of themanagement plan. However, inpractical terms, the requiredsilvicultural operations,monitoring and record keepingfunctions are being undertakenby the group; as standardmode of practice.

3.3. Monitoring of compliance withrequirements of the groupscheme: Responsibilities of theGroup Leader and the MPPACoordinator of SAHARA (theResource Manager) are clearlyworked out.

The MPPA Coordinator commits to:

a. ensuring proper implementationof the management plan

b. pursue the desired certificationgoals

c. carry out training for all peopleinvolved in the project on FSCrequirements

d. design and implement amonitoring system (sample


monitoring format attached asAnnexure 3)

e. ensure accuracy of the dataspecifically on the survivalpercentages of the herbs

f. ensure compliance to FSCrequirements including CoC

g. manage relationship with FSCaccredited certification body

h. deal with complaints and settledisputes

The monitoring system (d) identifiesthe level for the Resource Manager aswell as the Group Leader. Basically,initial documentation for each MPPA(including maps) which is descriptiveand does not change frequentlywould be the responsibility of theresource manager while regularmonitoring such as record keeping ofsilvicultural operations andmonitoring survival percentages anddetails of infilling would be kept bythe Group Leaders.

The Group Leader� role includes:

a. to maintain a list of groupmembers

b. explain to members the FSCrequirements relating tomanagement of herbs

c. conduct regular meetings,maintain documentation ondiscussions and decisionstaken

d. collect membership fee andother necessary payments

e. maintain proper records of allsilvicultural operations andmonitor survival percentages asper the prescriptions of themanagement plan

A federated association of all theMPPAs is in the planning stage andonce the decisions about becomingpart of VFDC (Village ForestDevelopment Committee) etc. areclear, progress can be made on theaspect of federation. The VFDC rulesand relevant discussion is presentedin section 8.1 where compliance tolaws is discussed.

3.4. Group Administration: TheGroup Leader will assist theResource Manager inadministration of the group asper the arrangement andresponsibilities describedabove; however overallresponsibility would be that ofthe Resource Manager (MPPACoordinator).

3.5. Control over sales of certifiedproducts (chain of custodycontrol): See section 9.0below.

4. EVALUATION OFTHE PROPOSEDSAMPLINGMETHODOLOGYEvaluation of the elements in thetable is used to finalise the level ofsampling by the certifier to evaluatethe implementation of forestmanagement by the group. For eachelement, the greater the degree ofhomogeneity and/or controldemonstrated by the groupmanagement system, the higher thescore. The guidance column providesan indication of the factors that canbe taken into account. The maximumscore on each element is 10. Thismethodology has been specificallydeveloped and extensively used byWoodmark (Soil Association is anaccredited FSC certifier) in evaluationof other People and Plant supportedprojects.


Homogeneity of The highest score would There are uniform prescriptions 8control of manage- be achieved where all for management of all aspectsment planning management plans are of all the MPPAs. Salient aspects

written by the same of prescriptions are covered inperson following a the report. The GHNP managementstandard format and and SAHARA have the jointbased on standardised responsibility to implement thedata requirements. prescriptions. There is no

identified author for it but it isthe uniform code of conduct tobe followed with regards alloperations in the area and in theMPPAs. The management planprescriptions have evolvedthrough a process of extensiveparticipatory process over lastseveral years for all administra-tive aspects. There is scope onbetter guidance on time ofharvest of the individuals of aspecies, which is currently quitegeneric based on age alone.

Homogeneity of The highest score Management objectives are 10management would be achieved identicalobjectives at where the manage-different sites ment objectives are

identical for all sites,and can be achie-ved using the samemanagement techni-ques

The impact of The highest score There is no negative ecological 8forest manage- would be obtained impact of the forest manage-ment at the where the impact ment activities. Although, atdifferent sites, of forest management certain sites survival of theand the vulner- at each site is low planted species has been veryability of the compared to a poor. The reasons for the samesites to social natural state, and are poorly understood; andand/or environ- where the sites are there is little systematic effortmental impacts not considered to understand this aspect.

vulnerable to suchimpacts On social impacts, at few sites,

there was some resentmentnoticed due to non-inclusion ofcertain individuals in the villagelevel group. This was inspite ofthe fact that these women didnot fit the eligibility criteriadeveloped to target thepoorest of the poor.

ELEMENT GUIDANCE OBSERVATIONS SCORE

Contd...


5. FORESTMANAGEMENT PLANSUMMARY

5.1. Estimates ofmaximum sustainableyield for commercialproduct

A complete inventory has beencarried out for all the MPPAs in

ELEMENT GUIDANCE OBSERVATIONS SCORE

Homogeneity of The highest score While there is one overall 7personnel imple- would be achieved Resource Manager,menting mana- where the same considering number ofgement at personnel imple- groups and physical distancesdifferent sites ment management in the mountain region; it

at all sites may not be possible for theResource Manager to payequal attention to all the sites.

Training requi- The highest score Training programmes on various 7rements for would be achieved components have been under-personnel where all personnel taken but all the Group Leadersimplementing receive the same have not been directly a part offorest high level of training some of the training programmes.management as part of the group The Resource Manager and the

management system Group Organisers are expectedto pass on the training inputsto these Group Leaders.

Qualification The highest score All the concerned personnel: 7requirements would be achieved Resource Manager, Groupfor personnel where all personnel Organisers and Group Leadersimplementing are required to are from the eco zone villages.forest demonstrate the same The level of formal education ismanagement high level of qualifi- low but they are well

cation for the jobs experienced and thus qualifiedrequired for manag- for the tasks assigned to them.ement to beimplemented

The internal The highest score The components of internal 7monitoring would be obtained monitoring programme areprogramme where the internal quite well understood by allimplemented by monitoring programme concerned and it is efficientlythe group entity is intensive and carried taking place to meet the

out by highly trained required level of minimumpersonnel according documentation needs. Thereto a well-documented is scope for improvement insystem. nature of records kept.

Overall Score 54

order to assess the populationsof all the three species andprepare a set of baselineinformation for evaluation andmonitoring in the coming years.As a SLIMF category,subsequent to primaryevaluation for certification,further assessments could bebased on surveillance ofdocumentation alone at leastfor another year. Monitoringvisit is required in year 2; and


just another visit is necessaryuntil year 5. Therefore, it isextremely important to preparebaseline information asaccurate as possible and thus100% check has been done to

Species No of Inventory* Inventory Expected** ExpectedMPPAs (Plants 2002) (Plants 2003) yield (2005) yield (2006)

Picrorhiza 25 11675 145300 175-233 2179-2906kurrooa*** kg kg

Valeriana 33 98600 223315 1183-1479 2680-3350hardwickii kg kg

Dioscorea 8 1050 14200 315-420 4260-5680deltoidea kg kg

5.2. Rational for annuallevel of harvest

These are based on certainassumptions. Firstly, averageyield of wet root and rhizomeafter extraction has beencalculated in each case asfollows:

Picrorhiza kurrooa � 15 to 20grams per plant in third year

Valeriana hardwickii � 12 to 15grams per plant in third year

Dioscorea deltoidea � 300 to400 grams per plant in thirdyear

These averages are based onlimited data available fromnatural plants of same ageclass growing in GHNP. Therecould be variation in actualyield.

Secondly, while Valeriana andDioscorea are regenerated by

*Inventory 2002 also takes account of trial plantations undertaken in 2001; they are negligible in number and in order to streamline theinventory and management treatments, they have been amalgamated with 2002. All figures are of number of plants surviving as ofJanuary 2004.

** Expected yield is the net weight of the commercial product in fresh condition soon after harvesting.

***Provided these plants are not utilized for vegetative propagation; exact number of plants used for vegetative propagation in anygiven year would have to be reduced from the overall numbers and the plans revised accordingly as the operations take place.

seeds; Picrorhiza is largelypropagated vegetatively. Thereare on an average four cuttingspossible from each one-year-old Picrorhiza. However, once aplant has been uprooted andcuttings taken, it will beconsidered to be replanted.The number of plants thusuprooted for vegetative cuttingsshould be reduced from theinitial inventory. All plantsreplanted would obviously beincluded in the inventory of theyear of plantation.

The three-year period isscientifically consideredappropriate for maturity andreproduction in the case of allthe three species. There wouldbe a need to regularly monitorsurvival during this period ofgrowth and accordingly updatethe inventory. Monitoring ofsurvival twice every year inspecified period has beenincluded in the managementplan prescriptions.

prepare the inventory. MPPAwise complete inventory isattached as annexure 3 andsummarized information ispresented below for each of thespecies:


5.3. Safeguards ofbiodiversity

The prospects for protection ofnatural forests and biodiversityin the National Park areenhanced is not a sufficientgoal for the purpose ofdemonstrating that forestryoperations of the project are incompliance with FSC P&C.Therefore, it needs to be clearlyshown that the activities beingundertaken within theframework of MPPAs also assistin protection of natural forestsspecifically within the MPPAsand generally improveconservation of biodiversity inthe eco zone. Two activitiesthat are completely restricted inMPPAs relate to felling of greentimber and hunting of wildlife.In addition, no alteration ofland use can be undertaken inthe MPPAs besides clearing ofsome patches to create bedsfor the plantation of medicinalplants.

The land use in the eco zone isnot being altered by theactivities of the WCSGs. Thetotal size of the beds in eachMPPA is approximately 225 sqm per MPPA. The standardprescription is to have morethan 10 beds and they shouldnot be contiguous with eachother and are spread out. Atthis rate total area covered byenrichment planting in 45MPPAs just 10,125 sq m whilethe area of MPPAs is 5,60,000sq.m. Therefore, there is noperceptible threat to thebiodiversity by the activities ofthe project.

5.4. Plans foridentification andprotection of rare,threatened andendangered species

A total of 24 species listed inthe Red Data Book on Indian

Plants have been identifiedwithin the GHNP complex. Acomplete list of these speciesis available with the ResourceManager and Group Organisersand Leaders have been trainedto identify these plants. Aherbarium collection is alsobeing developed for authenticidentification of any rare andendangered plant. A completesurvey of all the MPPAs hasbeen undertaken with referenceto this list of 24 plants, and nopatch clearing and any otheractivity is being undertakenwherever these plants occur.Two out of the three species(Picrorhiza kurrooa andDioscorea deltoidea) beingfocused in the project are alsocovered under this list of 24threatened and endangeredplants. The concept ofenrichment planting also coversthe aspect that no collection ofthese species would be done inMPPAs from the naturalpopulations. Only those thathave been planted will becollected.

5.5. MapsMaps of the GHNP complextogether with detailed map ofthe eco zone forests showinglocation of all villages isavailable with GHNPmanagement. Location of eachMPPA and boundaries need tobe prepared.

6. OTHER ACTIVITIES6.1. Summary: Almost the entire

population of nearly 15000 to17000 households in 130villages is dependent on thenatural resources of the park.Agriculture, Animal Husbandryand collection of non-timberforest products are the maineconomic activities. Some levelof diversification of incomesources has come with theincreasing importance of GHNPas a tourist destination.


6.2. Impact of other activities on theproject: Open grazing oflivestock is a source of concernfor the project activities.Survival and proper growth ofthe species in many MPPAs hasbeen affected by trampling bylivestock. Although the speciesare not edible by cattle andgoat, they trample it. Efforts arebeing made by WCSGs to bringabout a consensus amongstthe residents to not let thecattle loose in the MPPAs andpartial success has beenachieved. Other activities suchas fuel-wood collection andextraction of timber forconstruction are not a seriousissue as these activities arespread out and extremely wellcontrolled. The risk of speciesbeing collected before maturityby other collectors than themembers of the group is aremote possibility because of areasonably well-knit society.

7. STAKEHOLDERPROCESSThe primary stakeholders are thecommunity, democratic institutionssuch as Panchayats, Park authoritiesand a local NGO called SAHARA(Society For Scientific AdvancementOf Hill & Rural Areas). They havebeen together instrumental increating women saving and creditgroups (comprising of 10-20members) at the level of the village.These women groups are thenfederated at the level of thePanchayat. The membershiprepresentation of scheduled castewomen in these groups is high. About31% of the population in the eco zonefalls in this category and therepresentation of scheduled castewomen in these groups is well above31% and many of them share theresponsibility as Sanchalika (GroupLeaders) of their group and also atthe larger level as Group Organisers(each Group organiser handlesgroups in 1-2 Panchayats).


Orientation in monitoring survival % in Bihali Village MPPA (2400m)

The park authorities comprise of aDirector, 2 Assistant Directors and 3Range Officers. There are BeatOfficers, Forest Guards and wildlifewatchers under each Range officer.The organisational structure forSAHARA is that it is headed by aDirector and supported by twocoordinators. All three are full timepaid staff and hail from the eco zonearea. They supervise the work ofGroup Organisers who also receivepart payment for the servicesrendered. SAHARA is an autonomousbody registered under the SocietyRegistration Act, 1960 and governedby the rules therein.

Detailed discussions with all theabove-mentioned three primarystakeholders were undertaken as apart of the FSC stakeholder process.They were in the form of personalmeetings and requirement foradministering written questionnairesdid not arise. All parties support theMPPAs based enterprise project andsee positive aspects of collectiveaction duly facilitated by thecommitment of each other. There areseveral issues that need to beredressed at the larger stakeholderprocess. One relates to allocation ofpart of the forest area to a particularset of women while entire forest usedto be a common access property forthe whole village. As this group isundertaking enrichment planting ofcertain species on the forest floor,they have taken steps to stop villagecattle from straying in the MPPAs.This issue was discussed with a crosssection of the society in severalvillages and the conclusion is drawnthat it does not violate anybody�srights. Firstly, out of a total of 26,500Ha of forests in the eco zone only 56ha (0.21%) is presently covered underMPPAs. This does not really restrictthe resources for use of everylegitimate user. In turn, restriction ofopen grazing would regenerate theforest and it would become moreproductive besides economicbenefits of medicinal plant basedenterprise. So, the ecological andsocio-economic benefits outweighother attendant aspects; and there

are no discriminatory practiceobserved in formation groups.

Larger stakeholder consultationprocess included discussions withanother NGO in the region that is notdirectly participating in the MPPAprogramme. Named as Jagriti, it alsoworks with women self-help groups inanother valley of Kullu and supportsapricot kernel oil based enterprise.The coordinator of Jagriti fullyendorses all the aspects of theprogramme. A local medicinal planttrader in Kullu town was alsointerviewed and his only concern wasthat if the sale is directly made to theprospective users of these medicinalplants; people like him can get out ofthe business. However, for the timebeing he is not worried since thevolume of produce from the groupsare miniscule in comparison to whatthe traders deal in. In turn hesupports the idea of propagation sothat assured supply of good qualitymaterial could arise from legitimatesources and which traders couldfacilitate in selling. So, themiddlemen community (tradepartners) also see the effort aspositive and wants it to succeed sothat scale can go up in due course oftime. Interview with the Head of theCITES enforcement for the northernIndia region revealed that they are inagreement of the project objectivesand are keenly following the effortsmade in the programme to assess ifillegal collection and trade of CITESlisted species from the GHNP couldbe discouraged through theinterventions of the project.

8. STRENGTHS,WEAKNESSES ANDISSUESThis section discusses each of theexisting FSC Principles and Criteria;describes the current situation indetail; and identifies strengths,weaknesses, and issues.Weaknesses are areas where there isa need for improvement in order tomeet the Principles and Criteria.


8.1. FSC Principle 1:Conformity with laws andFSC Principles

8.1.1. Forestmanagement shallrespect all national andlocal laws andadministrativerequirementsIn this section, it will be assessedwhether the Forest Department andthe other interest groups involved inthe project are following andrespecting all national, internationaland local laws. In order to do so, weneed to first look at the lawsapplicable here and the relevantprovisions there under.

The Great Himalayan National Park inwhich the project is located isdeclared as a National Park under theWildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Theproject is located in the buffer orwhat is also called the Eco-development zone of the NationalPark. This Eco-development zonecomprises of Class II and Class IIIforests in which local people enjoysome usufruct rights. The legal statusof the Class II and Class III forests isderived from the Indian Forest Act,1927, as adapted and amended forthe state of Himachal Pradesh.

Since the activities of theaforementioned project are located ina forest area, provisions of the ForestConservation Act, 1980 apply. TheForest Conservation Act, 1980 doesnot allow pursuance of any non-forestactivity in any forest land. The FCAconsiders plantation as a non-forestactivity. However, in this eco-development project, the said activityis being perceived as an enrichmentplantation, which aims to augmentthe population of local andindigenous species of medicinalplants without disturbing the naturalforest ecosystem, thereby fulfillingthe overall objective of conservationin the national park region.

STRENGHTSThe Himachal Pradesh ForestDepartment has amended existinglaws and brought out newnotifications and administrativeorders to facilitate different aspectsof the Eco-development project. Theprovisions of the new regulations andthe orders also bring the projectcloser to the conformity with thevarious requirements of the FSCprinciples.

In the year 2001, a regulation entitledthe Himachal Pradesh ParticipatoryForest Management (PFM)Regulation was formulated. ThisRegulation applies to suchGovernment forests and suchGovernment lands including thecommon land, which shall beselected jointly for ParticipatoryForest Management by the Societyand the Department.

Rule 3 of the PFM Regulation 2001, hasenabled the Forest Department to bringthe Government Forest in the eco zonearea of the Great Himalayan NationalPark under participatory management,where MPPAs are establ ished andWSCGs are operating.

Rule 3 of the PFM Regulation avers,

(1) On an application made to theDivisional Forest Officer signedby at least 50 percent of thevoters of a Gram PanchayatWard, any Government forestand Government land includingcommon land may be broughtunder participatory forestmanagement. The land soidentified shall be known asselected areas.

(2) In accordance with the widerobjectives and plans ofGovernment for sustainableforest management, theselected area shall bemanaged jointly by the Societyand the Department on theterms and conditions of anagreement to be enteredbetween the Society and theDepartment.�


WEAKNESSESRule 4 of the same PFM Regulationallows for formation of Village ForestDevelopment Societies (VFDS). TheForest Department�s intention is torename the WSCGs as VFDs to give alegal strength to the WSCGs.

Rule 4 of the PFM Regulation 2001states:

(1) There shall be a Society for aGram Panchayat Ward.However, where the ward is notcompact and the hamletswithin it do not have commonforests, common grazing lands,common rights andconcessions, more than oneSociety may be formed for eachcluster of hamlets. The Societyshall be registered undersection 3 of the Societies�Registration Act, 1860.

(2) All voters of a Gram PanchayatWard shall be entitled to beenrolled as members of theSociety.

This intention of the ForestDepartment to rename the existingWSCGs as VFDSs is likely to createproblems as there is no provision inthe regulation to restrict membershipto VFDSs. Whereas members of aWSCG are chosen and organised in agroup with great care keeping inmind the homogeneity of themembers to a group.

However, the Forest Department hasdeveloped a memorandum ofunderstanding to be signed betweenthe WSCG and the ForestDepartment. This memorandumauthorises women groups to harvestmedicinal plants cultivated onMPPAs. But there is a proviso to thisrule which states that the harvestprocess should not adversely impactthe forest land in MPPAs. Thisproviso needs to be furtherelaborated to ascertain the factorsthat are likely to have an adverse

impact. Else the proviso could bemisused in any future times againstthe interests of the WSCGs.

This Memorandum of Understandingis not sufficient for WSCGs to harvestand transport the produce. TheForest Department has drawn upanother understanding authorisingthe Panchayat to sign an agreementbetween the Panchayat and theWSCGs. As per this understanding,an agreement shall be signedbetween the WSCGs and thePanchayat allotting a particularstretch of forest land to the WSCGs.The Panchayat will issue a transitpass to the WSCGs on payment ofthe predetermined royalty, after whichthe group can sell its produce in anymarkets.

One of the limitations of theseenabling documents (the twoMemorandums of Understandings �one between the Panchayat andWomen�s Savings and Credit Groupand the other between the ForestDepartment and the Women�s Creditand Savings Group) is the fact thatthis has no legal sanction.

As per the directive under the PFMregulation, local communitiesdesirous of entering into partnershipswith the State Government for thispurpose should organise themselvesinto the Village Forest DevelopmentSociety and the WC&SG could notqualify for such a society in itspresent form.

8.1.2. Payment of theLegally Prescribed Fees,Licences, Taxes, Etc.In Himachal Pradesh, the collectionand trade of medicinal plants iscarried out informally. The ForestDepartment permits the export ofmedicinal and aromatic plants andissues export permits on realisationof the licence fee specified for eachitem.


The Himachal Pradesh ForestProduce (Regulation of Trade) Act,1982 and Rules, 1982, seek toregulate trade by creation of a Statemonopoly in such trade. Only theGovernment or an Agent shallpurchase or transport or import orexport a specified forest produce. Forcommercial purchases or transport, atransit permit is required (to beissued by the Divisional ForestOfficer). The Rules lay down that theowner shall apply to the Agentoffering for sale the forest produceenclosing all documents in proof ofhis being owner of the forestproduce.

STRENGTHSAn Advisory Committee is to advisethe Government in the matter offixation of fair and reasonable priceof each specified forest produce. TheCommittee is to consist of: DivisionalForest Officer, representatives of theDeputy Commissioner of the area,two pardhans (headmen) of the area,and representatives of the agent.

The Himachal Pradesh ForestProduce Transit (Land Routes) Rules,1977, provides that no person shalltransport or cause to be transportedany forest produce that does not bearthe imprint of the registered mark. Noperson shall transport or cause to betransported any forest-produce byland routes, without obtaining transitpass (challan) from the concernedForest Officer. The authority issuingthe pass shall prescribe the transportroutes and other conditions.

As per the terms of reference of theMOU between the WCSG and thePanchayat, the members of WCSGcan collect the produce from theMPPA for which the Panchayat couldissue transit pass after collecting thedue payment of royalty. This is adefinite measure to empower thecommunity given the issue of legalsanctity of the MOU could beprevailed as explained in 8.1.

The State Government has amendedthe H.P. Forest Produce Transit (Land

Routes) Rules in 1994. As per theamended rule 11, a fee shall belevied for the issue of a pass formedicinal plants depending on thespecies. The pass/ export fee inRupees per Quintal for Dioscoreadeltoidea is Rs. 900; for Picrorhizakurrooa is Rs. 540; and for Valerianahardwickii, it is Rs. 300.

WEAKNESSESTrade in some of the important andthreatened medicinal plants of theState has been restricted or banned.Out of the three species beingconsidered in this assessment, two �Dioscorea deltoidea and Picrorhizakurrooa are threatened medicinalplants and hence trade in these twois restricted. Although, laws are verystrict as outlined above, but aconsiderable amount of collectionenters the trade in illegal way. It alsoimplies that no royalty or tax is paidon the produce. In suchcircumstances it is extremely difficultto compete in prices, as legitimatetax paid produce would always bemore expensive. It is expected thatwith certification, the produce mightbe able to attract some buyers thoseare willing to pay a premium on thisproduce.

8.1.3. Agreement withInternational Provisionsand ObligationsIndia is a major exporter of crudedrugs. Demand for some of the crudedrugs within the country and at theinternational level is very high as aresult there is a threat to theexistence of these plants in wild.Convention on International Trade inEndangered Species of Wild Faunaand Flora (CITES) establishes lists ofendangered species for whichinternational trade is either prohibitedor strictly regulated. India is acontracting party to this internationalagreement. In order to fulfil itsinternational obligations underCITES, the Export Import Policy isbrought out under the provisions ofthe Foreign Trade (Development and


Regulation) Act, 1992 and is enforcedthrough the Customs Act, 1962.

Section 3(2) of the Export � Import(Control) Act, 1947 provides that allitems (including wild Fauna and flora)covered in the Export Import Policywill be deemed to be covered underSection 11 of the Customs Act, 1962.As a consequence, all cases ofviolation of the Export-Import Policyin general and CITES, in particular,constitute an offence under theCustoms Act and are dealt with bythe Customs officials.

STRENGTHSThe Central Government regulatesthe export of some plants by meansof a Negative List of Exports. TheNegative List of Export contains 29prohibited items, two of which arebeing cultivated by the WCSGs in theeco-zone of the GHNP. These twospecies are: Picrorhiza kurrooa andDioscorea deltoidea. The export ofthese species collected from the wildand sale in raw form is prohibited.Plants and plant portions, derivativesand extracts (including value addedherbal formulations) of the cultivatedvarieties of the above mentionedspecies is allowed for export subjectto the production of a Certificate ofCultivation from Regional DeputyDirector (Wildlife) or ChiefConservator of Forests or DivisionalForest Officer of the state concerned(in this case, it will be from the stateof Himachal). In addition, if any ofthese cultivated plant species arecovered by the CITES Appendix I orII, CITES permit for export will also berequired.

Hence, to export in raw form, onlycertified material from cultivatedsource is permitted. For the materialextracted from forest, there is norestriction on domestic sale and use.However, if an extract or formulationis made which would then beexported, again the certificate oforigin as well as a certificate that ithas been harvested in a sustainableway from the forest is required.Although, there are no clear

guidelines on what could be treatedas sustainable. In the case ofmaterial coming from MPPAs, all theabove mentioned requirements viz.certificate of origin as well ascertificate of produce harvested insustainable manner could beproduced easily. In addition, as theywould follow the control through thechain of custody, traceability of theproduce is also ensured which isgradually becoming an internationalnorm.

WEAKNESSESWhile the produce of the WCSGswould meet all criteria, it will continueto depend on the Forest Departmentfor the issuance of certaincertificates. Secondly, as two speciesare already under trade scannerinternationally, any policy changetowards more stringent rules underinternational pressure may render theactivity quite vulnerable as goodpremium for such produce is onlyexpected through exports.

8.1.4. Conflicts BetweenLegislation And The FSCPrinciples And CriteriaThere seems to be no apparentconflict between the national/ locallegislation and the FSC Principles.

8.1.5. Protection OfForest From IllegalActivitiesThe Indian Forest Act, 1927, asadopted and amended by HimachalPradesh, applies to the state. Sincethe eco-zone where the MPPAs arelocated is a reserved forest area, allthe prohibitions laid down undersection 26 of the Indian Forest Act,1927 are applicable to the said area.The following activities are renderedillegal under section 26:

� Making of any fresh clearing

� Setting fire to a reserved forest;kindling any fire, or leaving any


fire burning in such a manneras to endanger such a forest

� Trespassing or permitting cattleto trespass

� Causing any damage bynegligence in felling a tree orcutting/ dragging any timber

� Felling, girdling, lopping orburning any tree, or stripping ofthe bark or leaves

� Quarrying stone, burning limeor charcoal

� Clearing or breaking up of anyland for cultivation or for anyother purpose.

The field situation is very much inharmony with the legal prescriptionswith regards to activities that areallowable within the forest areas.Field visits show that there are noencroachments in the eco-zone.

8.1.6. Forest managersshall demonstrate along-term commitment toadhere to FSC P&CThe activities are being undertakenon forest lands which have beenhanded over to the community undervarious agreements. The leaseagreement between the Panchayatand the Forest Department can berenewed every five years dependenton the approval of the micro-plan.This provides a long - term security toWCSGs, which can also renew theirMoAs with the Panchayat to extendthe lease.

8.2. Tenure and userights andresponsibilities

STRENGTHSSettlement of rights in the GreatHimalayan National Park area tookplace in two phases. First, at the timeof settlement of Kullu forests which

began in 1866 with the enactment ofthe first forest act and continued tillthe amended Forest Act waslegislated in the year 1878. The forestwas divided into 4 legal categories:Reserved Forests, DemarcatedProtected Forests � class I and classII, and Undemarcated ProtectedForest (class III). People residing inthe MPPAs largely occupy class IIIforests and some class I & II forests.These different categories of forestshave varying degrees of restrictionsthereupon. At this juncture, record ofrights was also prepared in respect ofvarious forests. Some of the rightsaccorded then were as follows:

(i) Every right holder (RH) hasright to receive trees at theconcessional rates forconstruction and repair ofhouses.

(ii) Remove uprooted kail, chil, andfir/ spruce free of cost for bonafide domestic requirements.However, Right Holder (RH)cannot sell the timber to anyone and can use the timberwith in a �kothi� (a Revenueestate usually a Patwar Circle)in which he/she pays therevenue.

(iii) May graze number of cattle,sheep and goats necessary forhis/ her domestic andagricultural purposes.

(iv) All broad-leaved treesexcluding Walnut, Boxwoodand Ash are granted free.

The second phase of settlement ofrights began with the first notificationdeclaring the intent for creation of anational park. The traditional rights ofthe local people in the GreatHimalayan National Park (GHNP)were finally settled in May 1999through an elaborate procedure, asprescribed in the Indian WildlifeProtection Act 1972. This has led toresettlement of some villages outsidethe national park boundaries and theissuance of final notification of theGHNP.


All rights were commuted at the timeof settlement of rights after which thefinal notification for declaration of thenational park was brought out. Hencenow the local communities do nothave any recorded rights of any kindin the national park area. However,people continue to enjoy recordedrights in the eco-zones. The localcommunities that are a part of theWSCGs, have a legal right to theproceeds of the medicinal plantscultivated to the extent it is providedfor in the Memorandum of Agreementsigned between the ForestDepartment and the Societies.

The PFM Regulation 2001 alsoentitles Societies to the followingbenefits:

(i) to collect the yield such asfallen twigs, branches,loppings, grass, fruits, flowers,seeds, leaf fodder and nontimber forest products free ofcost;

(ii) to the sale proceeds of allintermediate harvest, subject toprotection of forest andplantations for at least 3 yearsfrom the date of agreement;

(iii) to organize and promotevocational activities related toforest produce and land; andother activities such aspromotion of self help groupswhich may provide directbenefits, including, micro-lending to women. None of theactivities so promoted shallaffect the legal status of theforest land;

(iv) recorded rights will not beaffected by these benefits;

(v) the Government shall chargeno royalty on the forestproduce within the selectedareas.

(vi) after 5 years, the Society mayexpand the area, on the basisof a fresh agreement deed, by

inclusion of adjoining or nearbyareas;

(vii) after 20 years from the date ofagreement and based on theprinciples of sustained forestmanagement, 75 percent of thenet sales proceeds from theselected area shall be put intothe account of Society and theremaining 25 percent of the netsale proceeds shall go to theconcerned Gram Panchayat;and

(viii) to utilize at least 40 percent ofthe sales proceeds on forestregeneration activities includingsoil and water conservation.

WEAKNESSESThe PFM Regulation considers familyto be a single unit for the purposes ofusufruct sharing.

The provision no. v (mentionedabove) of the PFM Regulation 2001related to waiver of royalty is inconflict with the provision of theMemorandum of Understanding thatthe WSCGs have signed with thePanchayats, whereby the WSCGshave to pay a predetermined royaltyto the Panchayat at the time ofseeking transit pass.

8.3. Indigenous PeopleRightsThe said area under MPPAs doesn�thave any resident indigenouspeoples� habitation. In India,Indigenous People are considered asthose tribes, which are enlisted asScheduled Tribes in the Constitutionof India. However, nearly 30 percentof the population in the eco-zonescomprises of scheduled Castes.

STRENGTHSIndigenous communities such as theGaddis had seasonal grazing rightsin the National Park, which have beensettled by paying compensation to


the tune of Rupees 1.56 Crores (US $370,000) to these people.

8.4. CommunityRelations and Worker�sRights

STRENGTHSThe MPPA initiative of enrichmentplantation is based on principle ofparticipatory forest management withdue legal recognition and support.Information on all aspects of theprogramme is accessible to allstakeholders as well as others andthere is security of access rights tothe members of WCSGs together withthe rights to sell the planted producein the MPPA areas. The membersjointly contribute labour, as thebenefits are to be equitably sharedthere are no wages associated withthe work and there are no hiredlabour requirements. Community atlarge has a positive response to theproject. The project activities do notcurtail the rights of any individualwhile benefiting at the same time alarge number of poor women directly.

8.5. Benefits from theforest

8.5.1. Economicfeasibility concerningenvironmental, socialand functional costsThe concept of enterprise based onenrichment planting in MPPAs is verynew and there is no prior experienceon the business feasibility. At thesame time, it is being viewed as aneconomic activity to strengthenlivelihoods of poor and marginalhouseholds who have no options tomobilise capital and view businessprepositions with standards such asrate of return on investment. Theactivities are also being viewed asgenerating productive andmeaningful engagement with

prospects of growth. In order tomotivate the people and meet withthe initial costs of preparing beds,improving the fencing and partlycompensate labour costs in regularmaintenance and upkeep; there is aprovision of Rs. 5000 (USD 120) perMPPA over a three year period. Thisdoes not include the cost of plantingmaterial, which is being madeavailable at no cost from thenurseries of the GHNP administration.However, plants need to be collectedfrom the nurseries by the members.There are no operational expenses forWCSGs currently as all attendantaspects such as training expenses,negotiations with prospective buyers,certifications costs etc. are beingunderwritten by facilitators such asthe GHNP administration andSAHARA.

WEAKNESSThe number of plants being cultivatedper MPPA is quite limited and totaloutput after taking care for threeyears would be marginal. Memberscan visualize this and as a resultcould be less motivated to take goodcare of the plantation jeopardizingthe success of such a pioneeringventure.

8.5.2. Optimal use andlocal processing offorest productsThere are a variety of products thatare available from the forest. Thereare 62 species mentioned as plantsof ethnobotanical importance withvarying level of extraction for self-consumption and sale. It signifies thediversity as well as knowledge andcultural traditions associated with thediversity. Enrichment plantingactivities being undertaken in the ecozone neither adversely affects theavailability of these products noraccess to harvest and utilise them.Efforts are being made to establishdirect market linkages and carry outany processing such as drying and


grading etc. in order to add valuelocally for a variety of non-timberforest products.

8.5.3. Waste Reductionand Prevention ofDamages of ForestResourcesOnly roots and rhizomes are used inthe case of all the three species -Dioscorea deltoidea, Valerianahardwickii and Picrorhiza kurrooa. Inall three cases, whole plants are dugup after maturity. The method ofdigging is by hand held tools and theroots seldom go deeper than 10-15cm. They are collected in smallbaskets and carried on foot. Thusthere is no damage to forestresources.

8.5.4. Forest Economyand Local EconomyThe activities of the project in no waydeprive the local communities accessto potential sources of economicgoods from the forest. There are norestrictions on the ongoing forestbased activities of the localpopulation. The MPPAs activity is anadditional employment and income-generating venture, which has beenreceived well and has the potential tosucceed in favour of improving thelocal economy.

8.5.5. Preservation of theValue of the ForestServices and ResourcesThe land use in the eco zone is notbeing altered by the activities of theWCSGs. The total size of the beds ineach MPPA is approximately 15 sq mper MPPA. At this rate total areacovered by enrichment planting in 45MPPAs just 675 sq. m. while the areaof MPPAs is 5,60,000 sq.m.Therefore, there is no perceptible lossin the value of forest services andother resources due to the activitiesof the project.

8.5.6. Rate of HarvestRecommended scale of enrichmentplanting is 22,500 plants per MPPA.Monitoring of mortality rate is beingundertaken on a periodic basis bi-annually. The harvesting time isdecided with age and season ofmaturity and all mature individualscan be harvested in the right seasonfrom the MPPAs. Thisrecommendation goes together withthe management prescription thatevery year planting would beundertaken in some beds so that acycle of annual production can beachieved. Details of amount ofharvest due for each species in theMPPAs has been provided in section5 dealing with summary ofmanagement plan.

8.6. EnvironmentalImpact

STRENGTHS

8.6.1. Evaluation of theeffect on theenvironmentThe nature of activities in the projectdoes not warrant a detailedEnvironmental Impact Assessment.There is negligible disturbance to theforest and its surroundings as onaverage only 15 sq m area of theforest floor is converted to beds forenrichment planting purposes in eachMPPA.

8.6.2. Protection ofspeciesThere is no risk of loss of biodiversityor loss of habitat of any species.Information on endangered andthreatened species and theirrequirement of suitable habitats arevery well known. Harvesting of non-timber species such as edible fruits,mushrooms etc. are allowed to localresidents in the eco-zone and projectactivities in no way obstruct theseactivities.


8.6.3. Preservation of theecological functions ofthe forestSubsequent to enrichment plantingactivities, these plants are protectedagainst cattle straying in the MPPAsand any other hazard such as fire.Though, controlled fire is sometimesused to initiating grass flush but itcauses tremendous ecologicaldamage. As a result of controlledgrazing, grass is much moreabundant in MPPAs and that hasbeen a big learning experience forthe local population. This experiencecould also be used to raiseawareness towards reducing theincidence of use of fire as a strategyto initiate fresh flush of grass at therisk of severely impacting many otherecological functions of the forest.

8.6.4. Protection ofrepresentativeecosystem typesAll the activities of the project in theeco-zone are aimed at improving theconservation potential of the GreatHimalayan National Park complex.The representative habitat and foresttypes are fully mapped and wellconserved in the GHNP complex. Atthe same time MPPAs are notcontiguous and only cover about 56ha in the overall 25600 ha of eco-zone forests.

8.6.5. Protection fromdamage of soil, remainingstand and waterThere is no risk of soil erosion asflatter areas are chosen for preparingthe beds. Beds are dug only about 6-8 inches deep and are refilled with amixture of soil and farm yard manure.The stand of trees is not disturbedand all green felling is banned. Onlymarked trees for bonafide domesticuse by resident local community canbe harvested after permission fromthe GHNP administration as per thelaws described under principle 1earlier in the report. There is no

diversion of any water resources as apart of the project activities and thereis no source of pollution.

8.6.6. Use of chemicalsNo chemicals are used in preparationof beds or any other activity duringproduction, harvesting and postharvesting. Only farmyard manureand vermicompost is used.

8.6.7. Use of biologicalpesticides andgenetically modifiedorganismsNot in use

8.6.8. Management ofexotic speciesProject has multiplied the plantingmaterial initially obtained from theforests in the GHNP complexincluding the eco-zone area. Noexotic species are being introduced.At the same time, project is notaltering the landscape in any waythat may indirectly facilitateintroduction or spread of exoticspecies.

WEAKNESSESMaps of individual MPPAs in the eco-zone are not available as per therequirement under 8.6.4.

8.7. Management Plan8.7.1.a. The specific managementobjectives of the enrichmentplantation and associated activitiesof harvesting, value addition andmarketing are described as follows:

� To enhance the population ofselect marketable species ofmedicinal herbs in the eco-zone forests;

� To enable the local populationto effectively take control ofproduction, harvesting, value


addition and marketing of theseand other resources extractedfrom the eco-zone forests;

� To achieve a distinct identity forthis produce in the marketplace and attract pricepremium by adhering toprinciples and criteria of FSCand other certifications in duecourse of time.

8.7.1.b. Description of the resourceto be managed

The forests in the eco-zone(described earlier in the introductionsection) are meant for multiple bonafide uses by the local community asdescribed under the principle 2 onTenure and Use Rights. The legalbackdrop for the same has beencovered under principle 1. Theresource to be managed under thepurview of current activities relates toenrichment planting, maintenanceand harvesting of the three medicinalplant species in select MPPAs. EachMPPA is clearly delineated in the fieldand is identified by a name and codenumber (refer Annexure 3. EachMPPA is also under the responsibilityof a WC&SG, which has definitenumber of members with clearidentification of roles andresponsibilities of each member.Though, on an average each MPPAmeasures 1 ha. but exactmeasurement of each MPPA has notbeen undertaken because it was nota high priority to devote considerabletime and effort in the beginning of theproject. It is also not so critical sincesampling is not being used tomeasure harvestable volumes fromnaturally occurring populations.

STRENGTHSOnly species being cultivated in thebeds in each MPPA are going to beharvested. Beds are measured andexact numbers of plants of eachspecies planted per bed arerecorded.

8.7.1.c. Silvicultural managementsystem

The three species are:i. Picrorhiza kurrooaii. Valeriana hardwickiiiii. Dioscorea deltoidea

i. Picrorhiza kurrooa naturally occursin the altitudinal range of 2700-4500mand its distribution in the GHNPcomplex is fairly well known boththrough scientific surveys as well asthrough native knowledge ofcollectors. It comes into floweringand seeding in the third year.Traditional norms of wise harvestingpractices advocate that it should becollected either in the third year orlater. Based on the extensive trial ofcultivation and multiplication in thenurseries at GHNP over last 5 years;it has been established thatmultiplication of Picrorhiza is bestachieved through root cuttings.Picrorhiza grows and expands like arunner. From a year old plant, on anaverage four cuttings can be made.These cuttings are planted in nurserybeds. This is now a standard methodbeing practiced in this project. Theprescribed spacing between plant toplant and two to row is 0.10 cm. So,for 22,500 plants total are coveredwould be about 225 sq m. This is thestandard recommendation for all thespecies. In addition, it isrecommended that in each MPPA,more than 10 beds should beprepared to accommodate the plantsand the beds should not be adjacentto each other.

ii. Valeriana hardwickii is not strictly aforest dependent species and growsin a variety of habitats: abundantagricultural fields and edges of thefields, along trails and paths and inthe forests in the altitude range of1200-3600m. It flowers and seedsfrom the second year. Experienceshows that it is very difficult to collectthe mature seeds as they are quicklyswept away by the wind. However,seed collection is the only source forpropagation as there is no possibility


of vegetative propagation. The seedsare grown in polypots containing amixture of soil: sand: well compostedmanure in the ratio of 50:25:25. One-year-old plants are removed from thepots and utilised for enrichmentplanting in the MPPAs. It will also beharvested in the third year as per thepolicy of the project in the light of thefact that root/rhizome yield optimisesin the third year.

iii. Dioscorea deltoidea occurs inbetween a wide altitude range of 900-3000 meters in a variety of habitatssuch as Valeriana hardwickii . It is aclimber and bear rhizome close to thesurface of the soil. It bears seedsfrom second year onwards and seedsare used for propagation in theproject. The seeds are grown inpolypots containing a mixture of soil:sand: well composted manure in theratio of 50:25:25. One-year-old plantsare removed from the pots andutilised for enrichment planting in theMPPAs. Rhizomes would be dug upin the third year as it optimises theyield. The rhizomes of Dioscoreadeltoidea are a source of diosgenin,a steroidal sapogenin used as rawmaterial for production of steroidaldrugs, which include cortico steroids,sex hormones, oral contraceptivesand anabolic agents. The yield of theactive ingredients in the Dioscoreabeing propagated here is not knownand it would be good to determinethe time of harvesting based on thisfactor.

Enrichment planting is beingundertaken in the natural forestsclose to the natural habitat of thespecies and so no intensivemanagement operations arerecommended except for simpleoperations such as manual weedingand hoeing in the beds. They aregrowing in rain-fed situation andirrigation is recommended only inextreme stress when it seems that theplants may not survive. It is importantto keep the natural situation of stressin the plants to achieve goodmedicinal quality.

Record keeping in Nurseries: Anursery journal is maintained for eachof the ten nurseries that serve theproject. These nurseries are underthe direct management of the GHNPadministration and have provided theentire stock of planting material forenrichment planting in the MPPAs.The nursery journal has the followinginformation:

Name, Location, Altitude and Area ofthe nursery

Names and designation of theworkers and supervising staff

Species wise details of no of beds,size of beds and average no of plantsper bed

Species wise details of distribution ofplanting material

WEAKNESSA record of monitoring of mortality inthe nursery is not kept. However,infilling is done at regular frequencyin order to maintain the average plantpopulation per bed. It isrecommended that record ofmortality and infilling should also bekept.

Record keeping in Plantations: Asystematic record keeping system forthe medicinal plant propagationareas (MPPAs) has been developedand executed. This individual recordfor each MPPA is called PlantationJournal. Initial documentation for theplantation journal is the responsibilityof the project coordinator fromSAHARA and later on updating ofrecords based on regular monitoringis the responsibility of the groupmonitor of the WCSG. The nature ofrecords in plantation journals is:

Name of the MPPA, location, altitude,area, identification number, legalstatus and name of the responsibleWC&SG

Boundary details on all sides

Aspect and natural vegetation of


each MPPA with notes onendangered and threatened species

Species wise details of plantingmaterial received with date and nameof the nursery

Species wise details of planting ineach bed created in the MPPA

Date wise record of upkeep,maintenance and cultural operationssuch as weeding, irrigation, compostapplication etc.

Monitoring of mortality once in sixmonths � post summer in June; andafter winters in March. It isconsidered that summer is the mostcritical period where maximummortality takes place. The counting inJune would also indicate infillingrequirements and also give an idea ofsurvival percentage that would feedinto the expected yield as harvestingwould be undertaken in September.

Monitoring records for the past arenot available. The first record ofmonitoring of survival percentage ineach plot is dated January 2004. It isnot a big issue as in any case bulk ofthe planting has been taken up inJuly 2003; and the first output ofproduce is expected only in 2005 bywhich time at least 3 more rounds ofmonitoring of survival percentagewould have been accomplished.

Rate of harvest and regeneration: Inmost MPPAs 22,500 plants wereplanted initially. For exact number ofplants per MPPA please refer toAnnexure 3. The policy adopted bythe management in terms ofregeneration is that 22,500 plantswould have to be maintained at alltimes in the MPPA by the WCSG. So,it is only the surplus that is going tobe harvested at maturity.

8.7.2. The managementplan should beperiodically revisedWhile the preparations to undertakethis project have been going on for

several years in terms of refinementof planning and involvement ofstakeholders as well as regenerationand multiplication of plantingmaterial, 2003-04 is the first year forintensive plantation. Therefore, themanagement plan is still in the stageof evolution. Considerable amount ofdetailing needs to be done in themanagement plan and a revised planwould be in place soon after the firstharvest, which is in the 3rd year (2005-06). In the meantime new scientificinformation on the species of interestwould continue to be compiled andused in the revision.

8.7.3. Forest workersshould receive adequatetraining inputsThere is no hired labour in thisproject. As has been earlier explainedin the concept that WCSGs aremanaging the project with activeassistance of SAHARA. Theresponsible person in SAHARA is thecoordinator of the MPPA activity.Currently, Mr Gopal is performing thistask. There are groups of WCSGs.The names of the groups arementioned in the table of MPPAs(attached as Annexure 3). TheDirector of SAHARA, coordinator ofthe MPPA activity as well as all theconcerned Group Organisers havebeen given training ondocumentation, record keeping andmonitoring. Training held in Sairopaon 16-17 October 2003 focussedexclusively on estimating survivalpercentage in MPPAs. Future plan oftraining relates to techniques onmultiplying the planting material andidentification of pests and diseases.Another training programme that willbe undertaken in 2004 relates tocapacity building in making maps ofthe MPPAs. The target group for boththe training programmes is GroupOrganisers and coordinator of theWCSG. GHNP management willconduct the training.


8.7.4. Management Planshould be made publicManagement plan is in the publicdomain and developed in aparticipatory manner.

8.8. Monitoring andAssessment

STRENGTHS

8.8.1. Monitoring shall beconducted appropriate toscale and intensityA monitoring system of all theactivities of the project with relationto enrichment planting in the MPPAshas been introduced and records arebeing kept. The records of allmanagement operations in MPPAs

are maintained on a monthly basis inthe plantation journal. A simplemonitoring format is being used andGroup Organiser maintains thisrecord with the help of all othermembers. The level of education ofmost group organizers is not veryhigh but they are good inobservations in the field. Themonitoring format is in Hindi and anEnglish version is attached asAnnexure 4.

8.8.2. Data collection tomonitor all forestproductsComplete inventory of all the threespecies from nursery to MPPAs andsurvival percentages are beingrecorded. It is not based on samplingbut exact count.


Kaned Nursery (2700m)

8.8.3. Documentationshall be provided tocertification agenciesResource Manager visits each MPPAonce every quarter and verifies thefacts recorded by the GroupOrganisers. He compiles the recordsand this compilation is available tocertification agency. For backwardlinkages in support of this data,records of Group Organisers in theirplantation journals and that ofnursery journals may be referred to.

8.8.4. Results ofmonitoring shall beincorporated in revisingplansThe awareness of poor survival ofcertain species in some MPPAs camethrough result of monitoring; as aresult the approach to enrichmentplanting is being modified now. Thiscondition of FSC P& C is also beingcomplied as results of monitoring arehelping improve the decision-making.

8.8.5. Access to resultsof monitoringResults of monitoring are in the openpublic domain and available to allstakeholders on request.

8.9 Maintenance of HighConservation valueforests:The number of vascular plant speciesreported from Himachal Pradeshrange around 3200. Systematicsurveys of GHNP complex revealsthat nearly 26% of these species arerepresented here. Besides, therichness of species GHNP ranks veryhigh in terms of intactness of habitatsas one third of the park area supportsclosed canopy forests mainlyoccurring in belts around Jiwa, Sainjand Tirthan rivers and theirtributaries. At the same time, localpeople living in and around GHNP

complex have traditional dependenceon its resources. The support andstake of this community inconservation is vital to assureprotection of high conservation valueforests in the National Park andsanctuaries. The community in thepast has been collecting some of thevaluable non timber forest productssuch as Morchella mushroom andmedicinal plants such as Picrorhiza,Jurinea, Valeriana, Dioscorea andother species and the level ofunsustainable harvest has resulted inplacing many species on the list ofendangered and threatened species.

STRENGTHSAs a part of the strategy drawn withpeoples� participation, parkmanagement authorities haveconceived plans to augmenteconomic earnings of the localinhabitants by better utilisation of thevast area under eco zone and at thesame time reduce pressure onnatural populations. The parkmanagement in its own nurseriesinitiated an effort of multiplication ofseed and planting material for somespecies. Once the stock grew to areasonable scale, it was madeavailable for enrichment planting inthe eco zone forests. It is thisparticular activity that has thepotential to meet FSC P&C; and thusattach greater value for the producein the market place. It is with thismotivation that the project is takingshape and there is no risk to highvalue conservation forests by theactivities proposed.

8.10. Plantations

8.10.1. Demonstration ofManagement ObjectivesThe management objectives can besummarised as follows:

� To reduce anthropogenicpressures on the integral areasof GHNP complex to conservebiodiversity;


� To provide alternative livelihoodoptions based on sustainablecollection of valuable medicinalplants from the eco zoneforests; and

� To facilitate womenempowerment throughcollective action in MPPAsbased enterprises.

A comprehensive process ofsettlement of rights of localcommunities has been undertaken tocompletely free the National Parkfrom any biotic pressure. Theseactions are later described undersection 8.2 dealing with Tenure andUse Rights. There is a dire need foralternative livelihoods based on theforests of eco zone; and plantation ofmedicinal plants is one such activity.

Small portions of the forests of ecozone have been demarcated as theMPPAs. These areas, at varying levelof degradation, have been earmarkedfor medicinal plants �production�.

Production here implies that selectedeconomic, indigenous species, trees,herbs or shrubs are grown in theMPPA in sufficient intensity so as togive substantial benefits to the localcommunity, thereby increasing theireconomic stake in the MPPA and itslong-term conservation. Graduallythe degraded forest area is expectedto get rehabilitated in this manner.MPPAs are managed under a systemof Participatory Forest Management.

Quick returns from short-durationherbal plantations in an MPPA greatlyhelps in getting people interested inthe venture. What is, however,important for an MPPA to work is thatthe beneficiaries whether individuals,households, hamlets or villages beclearly identified to avoidcomplication later on. Thebeneficiaries be well organised as agroup with good leadership and aclear understanding of what theMPPA implies in terms ofresponsibilities and gains. WCSGshave come together in fairly


WCSG Members collecting planting material from Chaniara Nursery (2900m)

transparent manner and comprise ofpoor women from all classes andparticularly poor segments of thesociety. They have been instrumentalin implementation of the objectives ofthese plantations.

The decisions to locate MPPAs havebeen based on various factors. Theprimary considerations have beenavailability of suitable forest patch tosupport aided natural regeneration ofthe target species including accessto water and convenience ofapproach by the members of theresponsible WCSG. The initialplanting material has been suppliedfrom the nurseries raised by theGHNP administration and enrichmentplanting in systematic manner hasbeen undertaken by the members insmall patches with least disturbanceto the natural vegetation.

8.10.2. Protection andConservation of NaturalForestsEnhancement of the prospects forprotection of natural forests in theNational Park is not a sufficient goalfor the purpose of FSC certification.In addition, it needs to bedemonstrated that the activities beingundertaken within the framework ofMPPAs also assist in protection ofnatural forests specifically within theMPPAs and generally improveconservation in the eco zone. Twoactivities that are completelyrestricted in MPPAs relate to felling ofgreen timber and hunting of wildlife.In addition, no alteration of land usecan be undertaken in the MPPAsbesides clearing of some patches tocreate beds for the plantation ofmedicinal plants. However, as ameasure of protection of the plantsfrom being grazed or trampled by thecattle; WCSGs have taken steps toprotect the MPPAs. These activitiesare favourable for protection ofnatural forests in the MPPAs whereplantation activities are focussed.

8.10.3. Diversity in theComposition of thePlantationsThere are close to 9 species that areunder plantation in varying numbers.

Angelica gluaca (Chora)

Salvia moorcroftiana (Thoot)

Taxus wallichiana (Rakhal)

Valeriana jatamansi (Nahru)

Ainsliaea aptera (Sath-jilari)

Picrorhiza kurrooa (Kadu)

Valeriana hardwickii (Mushkbala)

Dioscorea deltoidea (Shingli mingli)

In terms of total volume of productionit is the last three that comprise morethan 99%. These plants are beingplanted by clearing small patches onthe floor of the forest withoutdisturbing other species and thus thediversity of the forest being planted ismaintained. Composition of thespecies being planted would bediversified further depending on themarket trends and availability ofplanting material.

8.10.4. Selection ofspeciesAll the species enlisted above arealso found in the natural habitats. Noimproved or genetically modifiedvarieties have been introduced so far.

8.10.4. Restoration ofNatural ForestsThe plantation activity of medicinalplants is not disturbing the naturalforests and in due course of time withaided natural regeneration andprotection, the status of thedegraded forests is likely to improveand thus plantation is positivelycontributing towards restoration ofnatural forests.


8.10.5. Improvement ofsoil structure andfertilityThe plantation areas have alwaysbeen under forest cover and never inthe past cultivated for any crop.Therefore, the soils are rich in organicmatter and fertile. The plantationactivities are not utilising any artificialfertilizers or mechanised methodsthat are likely to destroy soil structureand fertility.

8.10.6. Minimisation ofoutbreaks of Pests,Diseases and FireOutbreak of pests and diseases hasso far not been reported. Theplanting material has been multipliedafter collecting some quantities fromthe forest. Multiplication in nurserieshas been done without the use of anysynthetic chemicals in order to keepthe natural resistance of the specieshigh. Spacing and shaderequirements of the species are beingtaken care to provide as much ofnatural habitat as possible and thustrying to minimise on occurrence ofpests and diseases. Fire remains anissue for which community awarenessis being raised. Plantation activitiesor the nature of species does notinduce any additional fire risk.

8.10.7. Assessment ofEcological and SocialImpactsThere are mainly two types ofecological impacts that areenvisaged in this situation. Firstly,there is a natural tendency of farmersand plantation workers to fence thearea of the young crop/plants inorder to safeguard it. Though fencingcould definitely help in protectingfrom likely damage by stray domesticanimals; it can be dangerous to wildanimals as they can either get hurt orbe restricted from free movementacross habitats in search of food,water and shelter. Wild animals arenot a menace for these species of

medicinal plants as these are largelyunpalatable. There have been onlystray incidences of uprooting by wildboar. So, care has been taken whileselecting the locations for beds toselect locations that need not befenced and at the same time artificialfencing in and around the plantationin MPPAs has been kept at the bareminimum.

Secondly, the possibility thatrestriction of some areas for livestockgrazing could enhance pressure onthe rest of the area resulting indegradation can arise. In the light ofcurrent livestock populations andareas accessible for grazing, thisimpact seems highly unlikely andthere is no evidence so far. On thecontrary, community has realised thebenefit of closure of certain areas inregenerating grass and fodder. Asincreasing numbers of cattle needs tobe stall fed due to improvement inbreeds; the message brought homeby the plantation has the potential forimproving the ecological restorationin due course.

On the side of social impacts,participation of limited number offamilies in the plantation activity is anissue. There is lack of resources interms of availability of plantingmaterial as well as support availablefor undertaking plantation activity bythe WCSGs. Therefore, a criteria ofselection of poor households wasevolved. �Caste and poverty levelsare found to have a strong linkage inthe region. The scheduled castesoccupy the bottom of the castehierarchy and their households arealso located either on the peripheryof villages or as separate hamlets.The average land holding is alsomuch less than other castes and alsohave less access to NTFP collectionwhich is dominated by higher castes.Thus, the project interventiontargeted first women from the poorerscheduled castes families and thenothers from the similar economicstrata. As is the case with alldevelopment effort, technical andfinancial resources are limited andthus many households in the village


have got left out and there is someresentment on that account.Specially, since part financialassistance was available forplantation and that others too weremotivated by that incentive. Thisaspect was covered in stakeholderprocess and while those who havenot benefited at present raisedconcerns; there was no resentmentagainst the process as it wasconsidered fair and all considered theactivities worthwhile and positive.

9. FLOW CONTROLAND CHAIN OFCUSTODY OFPRODUCTS

9.1. Flow ControlFlow control concept relates totracking of volume and weight of theproduce from production throughvarious stages of processing andfinal point of sale along the chain ofcustody. Only limited extent ofprocessing is currently planned in theproject. These operations would berestricted to cleaning of the roots andrhizomes, (removing of soil particlesand any other physical impurities)and drying to the desired level ofmoisture percentage. It might benecessary to check for microbialcontamination specially since someexport inquiries have revealed veryhigh food safety standards for crudedrugs but for the time being there isno capacity in the project to attend toit. Weighing of fresh roots andrhizomes of each species in eachMPPA would be done by theconcerned WCSG through the openpan balance generally used in thevillage market to weigh grains etc.This will be recorded. Following this,there would be the cleaning andother operations and drying. Driedmaterial would be checked against

the desired level of moisture and thenaccepted for accumulation with otherproduce. The produce of each MPPAwould be placed in bags withidentification number. The standardreduction in weight in cleaning anddrying etc. has not beenstandardised so far becauseproduction has not really begun.Project management assures thatthese standards would be developedin 2004 and included in managementplan. All the relevant records ofweighment and marking ofidentification numbers would beverified by the Resource Managerand he would compile the recordsfrom all the MPPAs for further use bythe certification agency as well asbuyers etc.

9.2. Chain of Custody(COC)The proposed system is quite simpleand seems adequate as the numberof products is small; there is nochange in the nature of products inthe stage of processing; there is nopackaging being undertaken and it isbeing proposed to be sold throughsingle buyer/exporter initially as thevolume in the coming years would bequite low to compete for sale in theopen market. No relevant function isbeing outsourced or produces beingcontracted out for processing. Theproject has complete control fromproduction to final point of sale,which is being documented at everystage. Once, the produce is handedover to a separate entity forprocessing or repackaging, that partywould have to become a part of thecertification contract and acquire aCOC certification. It would be usefulfor the project management to keepthis requirement in mind whennegotiating with a business entity andensure their willingness to be a partof the certification process.


9.3. Risk of certified andnon-certified productmixingThe forests in the vicinity have naturalpopulations of the same species thatare in the MPPAs. However, withsufficient documentation on survivalpercentages and approximate yieldtables in place, it is extremely unlikelythat some additional produce may beharvested from the uncertified forestand mixed. Second point is that if theproduce is sold through regulartraders, who deal in very largequantities and have inadequatestorage facilities, there is always achance of mixing when produce isspread out for drying or cleaning etc.However, once the production startsand channel of marketing is settled,only then with experience someadditional measures if required couldbe initiated to ensure no mixing ofuncertified material takes place.


ANNEXURE 1(Authoritative English text of this Department Notification No. Fts-II (B)-15-10/87 Dated 23.8.2001as required under clause (3) of Article 348 of the Constitution of India)

NotificationNo. Fts. II (B) 15- 10/87 Dated 23.08.2001

In exercise of the powers conferred under Sections 80 read with section 81 of the Indian Forest Act,1927 (Act No. XVI of 1927), the Governor of Himachal Pradesh is pleased to make the followingregulations, namely:

1. Short title, application and commencement(1) These regulations may be called the Himachal Pradesh Participatory Forest Management

Regulations, 2001.(2) They shall apply to such Government forests and such Government lands including the common

land, which shall be selected jointly for Participatory Forest management by the Society and theDepartment.

(3) They shall come into force from the date of publication in Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh.

2. Definitions-In these rules, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,(a) �Act� means The Indian Forest Act, 1927, (Act No.16 of 1927) as amended in its application to

Himachal Pradesh;(b) �Conflict Resolution Group� means a group consisting of a representative of the concerned Gram

Panchayat, a representative of the local non-government organizations or local community basedorganizations and the concerned Assistant Conservator of Forests;

(c) �common land�, �family�, �Gram Panchayat�, �Panch�, �Pradhan�, �Village� and �Ward� shallhave the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act,1994 (Act No.4 of 1994);

(d) �Department� means the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department.(e) �Divisional Forest Officer� means the forest officer in-charge of a territorial or wildlife forest division

of the Department ;(f) �Executive Committee� means executive body of the Society;(g) �Forest Officer� means a Forest Officer as defined under sub-section (2) of section 2 of the Act;(h) �General House�, means General House of the Society;(i) �Government � means Government of Himachal Pradesh;(j) �Grazier group� means a group of persons, whether resident members or migratory graziers, who

are dependent on the grazing resource in the selected area for meeting their livelihood needs;(k) �Micro-plan� means a holistic forest management and development plan of the area selected for

participatory management;(l) �participatory forest management� means management of Government forest and Government

land including common land managed jointly by the Society and by the Department;(m) �selected area� means any Government forest and Government land including common land

selected under regulation 3 of these Regulations;(n) �self help group� means any organized group of persons, who collectively by mutual help are

able to enhance their economic status through resource based activities;(o) �site specific plan� means a sub component of the micro-plan which is a technically appropriate

plan for the site;(p) �Society� means village forest development society registered under section 3 of the Societies

Registration Act,1860 (Act No.21 of 1860) for participatory forest management;(q) �susta inab le fo res t management� means management wh ich is economica l ly v iab le ,

environmentally benign and socially beneficial, and which balances present and future needs;and

(r) �user group� means a group of persons dependent upon a common natural resource for sustainingits livelihood need

3. Intent of Participatory Forest Management


(1) On an application made to the Divisional Forest Officer signed by at least 50 percent of the votersof a Gram Panchayat Ward, any Government forest and Government land including common landmay be brought under participatory forest management. The land so identified shall be known asselected areas.

(2) In accordance with the wider objectives and plans of Government for sustainable forestmanagement, the selected area shall be managed jointly by the Society and the Department onthe terms and conditions of an agreement to be entered between the Society and the Department.

4. Village Forest Development Society.(1) There shall be a Society for a Gram Panchayat Ward. However, where the Ward is not compact

and the hamlets within it do not have common forests, common grazing lands, common rightsand concessions, more than one Society may be formed for each cluster of hamlets. The Societyshall be registered under section 3 of the Societies� Registration Act, 1860 (Act No.21 of 1860).

(2) All voters of a Gram Panchayat Ward shall be entitled to be enrolled as members of the Society.

5. Constitution of Executive Committee of the Society. The Executive Committee shall consist of -(a) President - to be elected by General House;(b) Vice President - to be elected by General House;(c) Four Members - to be elected by General House;(d) Treasurer - to be nominated by the elected members from

amongst the members of the Society;(e) Joint Secretary (woman) -do-(f) Ward Panch - ex-officio member;(g) President � Mahila Mandal -do-(h) Representative - Local women group -do-(i) Three Members - to be co-opted from the village level committees constituted by otherdepartments of the Government, societies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860,(Act No.21 of 1860); user groups, self help group and grazier group;(j) Member-Secretary - to be elected by the General House.

Provided that at least 7 members of the Executive Committee shall be amongst the women. JointSecretary shall assist the Member-Secretary.

6. Term of office of members of the Executive Committee. Elected members of the ExecutiveCommittee shall hold office for a period of two years from the date of assumption of office.

7. Powers of the Executive Committee.- Elected members of the Executive Committee shall holdoffice for a period of two years from the date of assumption of office.

8. Usufruct Sharing .�The Society shall be entitled to the following benefits, namely:-(a) to collect the yield such as fallen twigs, branches, loppings, grass, fruits, flowers, seeds, leaf

fodder and non timber forests products free of cost;(b) to the sale proceeds of all intermediate harvest, subject to protection of forest and plantations for

at least 3 years from the date of agreement;(c) to organize and promote vocational activities related to forest produce and land; and other activities

such as promotion of self help groups which may provide direct benefits, including micro-lendingto women. None of the activities so promoted shall affect the legal status of the forest land;

(d) recorded rights over the forest shall not be affected by these benefits;(e) the Government shall charge no royalty on the forest produce within the selected area;(f) after 5 years, the Society may expand the area, on the basis of a fresh agreement deed, by inclusion

of adjoining or nearby areas;(g) after 20 years from the date of agreement and, based on the principles of sustained forest

management, 75 percent of the net sale proceeds from the selected area shall be put into theaccount of Society and the remaining 25 percent of the net sale proceeds shall go to the concernedGram Panchayat; and

(h) to utilize at least 40 percent of the sale proceeds on forest regeneration activities including soiland water conservation.


Provided that for the purpose of usufruct usufruct sharing family shall be one unit.

9. Funds. Funds shall be generated by the Society through contributions by members and sale ofusufructs under these regulations. All funds, including those received from the Government, GramPanchayats and non-government sources, shall be utilized through the micro-planning process.

10. Maintenance of accounts. The sum received by the Society shall be deposited in the name ofthe concerned Society in a nationalized bank or scheduled bank or co-operative bank or postoffice and the account shall be operated under the signatures of the President, Treasurer andMember-Secretary of the Society.

11. Grant-In-Aid. The department shall release Grant-In- Aid to the Society under the Grant-In-AidRules subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance of functions by the Society.

12. Settlement of dispute. In case of any dispute in relation to usufruct sharing in the Society, theDeputy Ranger concerned of the Department, shall take steps to reconcile the dispute. In casethe dispute is not resolved, the Deputy Ranger shall refer the dispute, along with his report to theRanger Officer concerned of the Department. The Range Officer, after hearing the parties, shallresolve the dispute within 30 days from the date of receipt of report of the Deputy Ranger.

13. Appeal. An appeal shall lie from the decision of the Range Officer the Conflict ResolutionGroup to be filed within 30 days from the date of decision, who shall decide the same within 60days from the date of filing of appeal, after affording an opportunity of being heard to theparties. The decision of the Conflict Resolution Group shall be final and binding on the parties.The Conflict Resolution Group shall send a copy of the decision to the Society and theDivisional Forest Officer concerned free of cost.

14. Preparation of micro-plans:(1) A micro-plan shall be prepared for the holistic forest management and development of the

selected area, by the Society. The Department shall help the Society in preparation of themicro-plan. A micro-plan shall be operative for a period of five years from the date of itsapproval by the Divisional Forest Officer and may be revised after three years. The micro-planshall be passed in the general house with at least 60 percent majority of the members present.

(2) The Divisional Forest Officer may approve whole or part of the micro-plan.

15. Powers of the Government.- Notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations, theGovernment shall have the powers to issue directions to the Society on participatory forestmanagement processes, micro-planning, co-ordination, monitoring, grant-in-aid andimplementation mechanisms.

By order

FC- cum-Secretary (Forests) to theGovernment of Himachal Pradesh


ANNEXURE 2MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE FOREST DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY ANDTHE HMACHAL PRADESH FOREST DEPARTMENT

The government of Himachal Pradesh has formulated regulations titled �Himachal Pradesh ParticipatoryForests Management (HPPFM) Regulations, 2001� for sustainable management of its forest resourcesin collaboration with the local communities. It has been intended that local communities desirous ofentering into partnership with the State Government for this purpose should organize themselves intothe Village Forest Development Societies (VFDSs), duly registered under section 3 of the SocietiesRegistration Act, 1860 (Act No.21 of 1860). The State Government shall be represented by the HP ForestDepartment (hereinafter referred to as the Department).

This MoA (under rule 3(2) of the above mentioned regulations) containing the following terms andconditions is hereby signed between the _________________VFDS through its President (First Party):the Department through the DFO ___________ (Second Party) and the Revenue Department throughCollector ___________ (Third Party) in pursuance of HPPFM Regulations, 2001. The Third Party will be asignatory to this MoA only in cases where non-forest land(s) are involved.

1. GENERAL AGREEMENT :

1.1 This agreement is valid only in respect of selected areas detailed in the schedule attached asAnnexure-1 to this MoA including parch-tatima and a topographical map of the selected areapreferably on 1:15,000 scale.

1.2 Provisions of the HPPFM Regulations, 2001 notified vide No. Fts.11 (B) 15-110/87 dated 23.8.2001shall be binding on the VFDS and the Department.

1.3 Terms used in this MOA shall have the same meaning as given in the HPPFM Regulations 2001.

1.4 Roles & Responsibilities as given hereunder for the VFDS and the Department shall be acceptableto both the parties.

1.5 The legal status of land brought under this agreement shall remain unchanged and continue to bethe same as it was prior to signing this MoA.

1.6 The implementation and financial assistance shall be governed by the Grant in Aid (GIA) Rulesnotified by HP Govt. vide No. FFE-B-(G) 9-6/99 dated 31.05.2000 and as notified from time to time.

2. ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF FIRST PARTY

Copy of bye-laws and registration certificate of ________ VFDS are annexed herewith and shall be a partof this MoA.

2.1 After the parties jointly agree to the selected area(s), the VFDS shall prepare a detailed 5-yearmicro-plan for approval of DFO.

2.2 The VFDS shall develop necessary mechanism for and shall implement approved micro plansatisfactorily involving a Monitoring Committee that will include the Ward Panch.

2.3 The VFDS shall convene regular meetings (at least once every month). Keep record and maintainaccounts in accordance with its bye laws and provisions of Societies Act, 1860.

2.4 The accounts of VFDS shall be audited by a qualified Accountant approved by Govt. The VFDSshall submit a copy of audited accounts and its Annual Report to the concerned DFO as per GIARules in force from time to time.

2.5 The VFDS shall make the records available to the officers of the Forest Department on demand.

2.6 The VFDS shall work out a mechanism for equitable sharing of usufructs and sale proceeds ofharvest from the selected area amongst its members.

2.7 The VFDS shall undertake to protect the selected area and adjoining forests against fire, grazingencroachments poaching illicit removal and damage to forests/forest boundaries, take cognizance


of such offences and report the same to the concerned forest officer. The VFDS will be responsiblefor protection of standing trees already existing in the selected areas handed over to them.

2.8 The VFDS shall render assistance in the implementation of all the Forest Laws and Acts includingWild Life Protection Action, 1972 in the forests areas falling within its area of work.

2.9 The VFDS shall raise funds for implementation of the approved micro plan on its own and this MoAshall in no way bind the Department for providing funds to the VFDS for any of all activities proposedunder the micro plan.

3. ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECOND PARTY

3.1 The DFO shall consider applications submitted by the VFDS for bringing the requested area underPFM and finalize the area after due consideration within 30 days of such application.

3.2 The DFO shall approve the micro plan submitted by the VFDS in relation to selected area as it is orwith modifications keeping in view the ecological requirement of the area, within 30 days of itssubmission. The micro plan has to be for a minimum period of 5 years, but may be reviewed/modified after 3 years.

3.3 The DFO and his staff shall assist the VFDS in formulation of micro plan. He will provide necessarytechnical input to VFDS as and when required.

3.4 The Department shall provide or arrange necessary training(s) to the Member Secretary and othermembers of the VFDS.

3.5 The Department may check the implementation of approved micro plan activities to ensure properutilization of GIA.

3.6 The department shall help the VFDS with sale of intermediate & final harvest from the selectedareas.

3.7 The details of assets created by the First Party will be incorporated by the Second Party in theWorking Plan document and the concerned Compartment History file.

SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTESIn case any dispute between the parties regarding this MoA, is not resolved by the Conflict ResolutionGroup, the matter will be decided by the concerned Conservator of Forests whose decision will be finaland binding on the parties.

4. Duration of MoAThis MoA shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of signing and may be extended for afurther period of five years at a time if both the parties so desire.

Signed this day _____________ of ____________ in the presence of witnesses as given under:-

Signature (with date) Signature (with date) Signature (with date)President of the VFDS Divisional Forest Officer Collector/Authorised Officer

(First Party) (Second Party) (Third Party)

Witness (1) Signature ___________________Name ______________________Address ____________________

Witness (2) Signature ___________________Name ______________________Address ____________________


GOVERNMENT OF HIMACHAL PRADESHDEPARTMENT OF FORESTS

No. FFE-B-C(9)-94-II Dated Shimla-2 the 28th Febraury 2003

NOTIFICATION

1. In exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (2) of section 2 of the Indian Forest Act,1927, the Governor, Himachal Pradesh is pleased to appoint Pradhans of the Gram Panchayats inHimachal Pradesh Forest Produce Transit (Land Routes) Rules, 1978 for the issuance of pass fortransport of minor forest produce collected from the forests in the concerned panchayat, subjectto the conditions that the provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Produce Transit (Land Routes)Rules, notified vide Notification No. Fts.(A)-3-1/77 dated 20.11.1978 and published in the Rajpatra,Himachal Pradesh (Extra Ordinary) dated 5th March 1978 as amended from time to time by theGovernment shall be adhered to.

2. The Governor, Himachal Pradesh is further pleased to order that the Pradhans of the concernedPanchayats shall issue pass for the item/species numbering 37 as listed in (ANNEXURE-A) to thisNotification as per export fee prescribed therein and the fee so realized shall form the revenue ofthe Gram Panchayats.

3. The Governor, Himachal Pradesh is further pleased to order that the Forest Guard of the area shallmake recommendations to issue pass after verifying that the species for which such pass is to beissued are not banned for export, and that the species are extracted from the prescribed area inthe approved extraction cycle, and that the extraction has been done in a sustainable manner andhas not caused any ecological or environmental damage. No-adherence to the above conditionsmay debar a Pradhan from issuing the pass for export and in such a case the powers shall revertto the concerned officer of the Forest Department who was exercising these powers prior to issuanceof this Notification.

By order

Principal Secretary (Forests) to theGovernment of Himachal Pradesh


ANNEXURE 3ATTACHED AS SEPARATE EXCEL FILE TITLED MPPA PLANTATION DETAILS

1 Bohali SheshNag Shill Shilli 5500 ft Thuth 1000 March 3rd 60% Jan-04Angelica 500 2003 75% Jan-04Valeriana 21000 80% Jan-04 16800

2 RaitiKater Jamlu Shill Shilli 5500 ft Picrorhiza 18000 March 3rd 60% Jan-04 10800Dioscorea 2000 2003 75% Jan-04Valeriana 2500 70% Jan-04 1750

3 Bohali PanchVeer Sharungar do 4800 ftK Picrorhiza 13100 3rd 50% Jan-04 6550Valeriana 9000 60% Jan-04 5400

4 Bihal Laxmi Tung Tung 5200 ft Valeriana 15000 March 3rd 60% Jan-04 9000Dioscorea 2000 2003 65% Jan-04Picrorhiza 5500 40% Jan-04 2200

5 Nagagar PanchVeer Barnagi do 5300ft Valeriana 13600 March 40% Jan-04 5440Picrorhiza 8900 3rd 20% Jan-04 1780

6 Parli Bihal Choi Bihali do 5200 ft Taxus 1300 3-Feb 40% Jan-04Picrorhiza 21200 50% Jan-04 10600

7 Paniyaragar Hans Puri Dhara Shalinga do 5400 ft Valeriana 22500 Mar..03 3rd 60% Jan-04 13500

8 SaiRopa LomashRishi Gahidhar Kandi dhar 4200 ft Taxus 400 3-Feb D.P.F. 70% Jan-04Valeriana 21000 70% Jan-04 14700

9 SaiRopa DeuRopa SaiRopa do 4200 ft Taxus 200 3-Feb Do 70% Jan-04Valeriana 21000 40% Jan-04 8400

10 SaiRopa Choi Timhi do 4200 ft Valeriana 15000 3-Feb Do 40% Jan-04 6000Picrorhiza 7000 40% Jan-04 2800

11 Tharmach ChaurasiSidh Nohanda Nohanda 4300 ft Valeriana 22000 Mar..03 3rd 50% Jan-04 11000Shalinga JataMasi 500 30% Jan-04

12 Tharl Nal HansPuri Manhar Do 4000 ft Picrorhiza 22500 Mar..03 40% Jan-04 9000

14 Jogani Dhar Shesh Nag Buhara Kalwari 4800 ft Picrorhiza 22500 do 3rd 60% Jan-04 13500

15 Sua Dudhi Nanout do 5100 ft Picrorhiza 22500 do 3rd 50% Jan-04 11250

16 Hansa dhar Laxminarayan Kalwari Do 5000 ft Valeriana 22500 do 3rd 60% Jan-04 13500

17 Shikari Gar Laxminarayan Dhar Tung 5200 ft Picrorhiza 22500 July-03 3rd 60% Jan-04 13500

18 Bansheera HansPuri Suchain Suchain 5500 ft Valeriana 17000 Mar..03 3rd 60% Jan-04 10200Picrorhiza 5500 40% Jan-04 2200

P.Idf. Name of Group Vill. Specis Forest Survival %age Report Present RemarksNo Plot Name Name Panchayat Altitude Name No Date Source Class % Date No.

Contd...

P.Idf. Name of Group Vill. Specis Forest Survival %age Report Present RemarksNo Plot Name Name Panchayat Altitude Name No Date Source Class % Date No.

19 Keulivan RaiNag Sunder Shangar 7000 ft Valeriana 18000 April..03 D.P.F. 60% Jan-04 10800Naggar Taxus 200 60% Jan-04

Angelica 600 40% Jan-04

20 Keulivan Shangri Dharli Shangar 7000 ft Valeriana 19500 do D.P.F. 60% Jan-04 11700Taxus 500 50% Jan-04

21 UpparNahin Suchain Suchain 5500 ft Valeriana 20000 July..03 3rd 65% Jan-04 13000

23 ChouNal SahuNag Manahara Shainshar 5000 ft Picrorhiza 20000 April..03 3rd 40% Jan-04 8000

24 SaraAge Jagthamb Bagishyadi Gara Parli 5100 ft Picrorhiza 19000 May..03 3rd 70% Jan-04 13300

25 Kharu Van Narayan Banaugi do 5700 ft Valeriana 14000 June.03 3rd 50% Jan-04 7000Dioscorea 5000 65% Jan-04 3250Picrorhiza 1000 50% Jan-04 500

26 Bihali AtharaKardu Thachan do 5400 ft Valeriana 18000 April..03 3rd 65% Jan-04 11700Angelica 2000 50% Jan-04

27 Niri Taliyara Taliyara Deuri Dhar 3rd

28 RaiNag Majhan-ll Gara Parli 5500 ft Dioscorea 1500 Mar..02 3rd 40% Jan-04 600Picrorhiza 2600 20% Jan-04 520Shathjillari 5800 30% Jan-04Bhutkeshi 4000 0 Jan-04Angelica 3000 0 Jan-04Dhoop 2200 0 Jan-04

29 Shalakcha Kali Nag Dingcha Nohanda 5500 ft Valeriana 13000 June.02 3rd 75% Jan-04 9750 2 year oldPicrorhiza 9000 50% Jan-04 4500 2 year old

30 Ghaliyar Laxmi Mata Ghaliyar Mashiyar 5200 ft Picrorhiza 14000 Dec..2000 3rd 25% Jan-04 3500 3 year oldAngelica 500 0 Jan-04Dioscorea 2000 30% Jan-04 600VanKakri 500 0 Jan-04Sathjilari 3000 0 Jan-04

31 Gohari LaxmiNarayan Tinder Nohanda 5200 ft Dioscorea 500 May..01 3rd 50% Jan-04 250 2 year oldPicrorhiza 14500 25% Jan-04 3625 2 year oldPatish 700 0 Jan-04Dhoop 700 0 Jan-04Valeriana 5300 20% Jan-04 1060 2 year old

(101)32 Jahara Narayan Garuli Shilli 5200 ft Valeriana 20000 Mar..03 3rd 70% Jan-04 14000Picrorhiza 2500 50% Jan-04 1250

(102)33 Rangthar Panch Veer Ghat Nohanda 6000 ft Picrorhiza 17000 April..02 3rd 40% Jan-04 6800JataMasi 5500 30% Jan-04JataMasi 22500 Mar..03 40% Jan-04

Contd...

P.Idf. Name of Group Vill. Specis Forest Survival %age Report Present RemarksNo Plot Name Name Panchayat Altitude Name No Date Source Class % Date No.(103)34 Jogni Dhar Shangri Desha Kalwari 4800 ft Picrorhiza 22500 July..02 3rd 35% Jan-04 7875

Picrorhiza 22500 Mar�03 65% Jan-04 14625

(106)35 Saraila Jilli Nahin Jilli Nahin Suchain 4800 ft Valeriana 20500 2001 3rd 60% Jan-04 13325Angelica 300 40% Jan-04Picrorhiza 10000 Mar..03 50% Jan-04 5000Taxus 500 60% Jan-04Valeriana 10000 75% Jan-04 7500

(107)36 Bai Peche Durga Mata Lapah Shangar 6600 ft Valeriana 30000 Feb..03 3rd 50% Jan-04 15000

(108)37 Gobhar Mail Mail Gara Parli 7800 ft Valeriana 30000 Jan..01 & 3rd 70% Jan-04 15000 2 year oldDioscorea 3000 Mar.03 65% Jan-04 1950Angelica 2000 50% Jan-04Banksha 2000 65% Jan-04

(109)38 Nagadhar Majhan -l Majhan do 7800 ft Valeriana 2000 3rd 50% Jan-04 1000Picrorhiza 10000 30% Jan-04 3300Angelica 1500 0% Jan-04Dioscorea 1500 30% Jan-04 450Sathjilari 8000 Jan..01 40% Jan-04Valeriana 9000 50% Jan-04 4500VanKakri 1000 0% Jan-04

(111)39 Shanglidhar Shangchul Katwali Shangar 9000 ft Valeriana 22500 3rd 30% Jan-04 6750

(112)40 Do do do do Valeriana 13000 75% Jan-04 9750Angelica 5000 50% Jan-04Taxus 2000 60% Jan-04

(113)41 Ropa Ropa Ropa Suchain Valeriana 15000 Jan..01 3rd 30% Jan-04 4500Angelica 3000 20% Jan-04NagChatri 1000 0% Jan-04

Tandidhar Ropa Ropa do Valeriana 22500 Aug..00 3rd 40% Jan-04 9000 4 year old

(114)42 Sameda Shangri Kahana Shangar 4800 ft Valeriana 45000 3rd 60% Jan-04 27000Dioscorea 2500 50% Jan-04 1250Angelica 1000 50% Jan-04

(115)43 Jagnahu DevtaShangri Dhara do 8000 ft Valeriana 22500 Aug..01 D.P.F. 30% Jan-04 6750Patahara Valeriana 12000 Feb..03 60% Jan-04 7200

Vankasha 10000 40% Jan-04

44 Kali Mata Baity Nohanda 6000 ft Picrorhiza 22500 Mar..03 60% Jan-04 1350045 Darmeda Darmeda Deuri Dhar 4800 ft Valeriana 14000 Jan..02 20% Jan-04 2800 2 year old

Dioscorea 1000 Jan..02 20% Jan-04 2000 2 year oldBanksha 2500 Jan..02 0% Jan-04Nagchatri 500 Jan..02 0% Jan-04Neel Kanthi 1500 Jan..02 0% Jan-04Thuth 1000 Jan..02 0% Jan-04

ANNEXURE 4ATTACHED AS SEPARATE EXCEL FILE TITLED PLANTATION RECORD

A. PLANTATION RECORD FOR EACH MED PLANT PROPAGATION AREA (MPPA)

1. Name of the Group

2. Name of the Plot 3. Plot Identification No.

4. Area of the Plot

5. Legal Status of the Plot

6. Altitude

7. Aspect: 8. Soil Type:

9. Boundaries:

North East West South

10. Vegetation:

11. Endangered Fauna:

12. Details of Planting:

Sl. No. Species No. of Plants Nursery No. Date/ RemarksPatches Received Name Planted Duration

13. Maintenance:

Date Fencing Weeding Ferti l izer Pesticide Irrigation Any other Remarks(type & Qty) (name & qty)

14. Monitoring:

Date Health of Protection Survival % Meeting Record Name of RemarksPlants keeping monitor

Sr. No.1 - 11: Responsibility of MPPA Coordinator

Sr. No.12 & 13: Responsibility of Sanchalika

Sr. No.14: Responsibility of Group Organiser (G.O.)


About WWF-INDIA

WWF-India has been working to promote harmony between humankind and nature for threedecades. Today, it is recognised as a premier conservation NGO in the country dealing withconservation and development issues. At a time when the Web of Life has come under in-creasing threats, WWF-India has endeavoured to find and implement solutions so that humanbeings can live in harmony with nature, and leave a world rich in natural resources and naturalwonders for future generations.

Formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund, WWF-India was established as Charitable Trust in1969. With its network of State/Divisional and Field Offices spread across the country to imple-ment its programmes. WWF-India is the largest and one of the most experienced conservationorganisations in the country. WWF-India�s Secretariat functions from New Delhi. The organisationis part of the WWF family with 27 independent National organisations. The co-ordinating body,the WWF International, is located at Gland in Switzerland.

WWF-India Mission

�The promotion of nature conservation and environmental protection as the basis for sus-tainable and equitable development�.

WWF-India, 2003Cover Photo Credit Sudipto Chatterjee

Produced by Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Division, WWF-India172-B, Lodi Estate, New Delhi-110003; Tel : 91-11-24616532, 24691760-62; Fax : 91-11-24691226

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WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE - INDIA172-B, Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110 003Tel : 91-11-24654889, 24616532, 24691760 / 61 / 62Fax : 91-11-24691226, 24626837E-mail : [email protected] us at : www.wwfindia.org

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FSC Certification Feasibility Assessment Report