Flora of Nepal
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- The Flora of Nepal is the first comprehensive account of the country's plant biodiversity
- RBGE leads the coordination of this international partnership
Accurate identification is fundamental to managing a country's plant resources, setting priorities for conservation and monitoring rare species. Nepal's population is mainly rural, and its people use plants from their local environment for food, fuel, fodder, fibre and medicinal products. The dissemination of targeted plant information to different user groups around the country can help to enhance sustainable livelihoods.
Taxonomic research - The Flora of Nepal is an international partnership with the Government of Nepal's Department of Plant Resources, Tribhuvan University in Kathamndu, the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology and the University of Tokyo. The Flora is published in ten volumes, with all accounts, supplementary information and images available on the project website.
Exploration - Much of Nepal is still poorly known botanically with a low density of plant collections. We have an ongoing fieldwork programme to visit remote regions and collect plant specimens and data in support of our taxonomic research.
Capacity building - We work closely with our Nepalese partner organisations, developing in-country training programmes to enhance the capabilities of their staff and institutions.
Conservation and development - The Flora of Nepal team works with development agencies to protect plants and habitats. We are currently working with Forest Action on a 3-year Darwin project to develop a sustainable management plan for Jalthal Forest in Jhapa District.
Key contact: Dr Mark Watson
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See the Flora of Nepal website for more information