Tinjure, Milke And Jaljale (TMJ) Rhododendron conservation Area

Tinjure ridge, named as it has series of three beautiful hills, lies in the confluence of Nepal’s two eastern mountainous districts Shankhuwa Sava and Tehrathum. Standing out as kingdom of rhododendron Tinjure hosts many kinds of rhododendron species and other vegetation. It is identified as hotspot for biological diversity with some high valued Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and endowed with spectacular land structures offering aesthetic pleasures. Argelli, lokta (Daphne papyracea), khasru (Quercus semicarpifolia), phanlat (Quercus glauca), katus (catanopsis indica), chiraito (Swertia chirayita, Swertia angustifolia), lothsalla (Taxus baccata), malingo, angeri, chuthro,etc are some of the important vegetation which grows and thrive in Tinjure area. So this area possesses immense potential for NTFPs to increase the livelihood of local people.Farming and livestock are the main occupation of the people that surrounds Tinjure. Potatoes, maize and cabbage are major agricultural products. Livestock has hugely supported the farming through the production of manure and provided people with major nutrient source, dairy products and meat. Livestock is also as an investment to provide cash for both planned events and as insurance in times of need. Both, farming and livestock have massive dependency on the forest. Forest, not only is the place for cattle grazing, collecting fodder, cutting grass but also is the only source of fuel wood and construction materials in this area which consequently have put the forest on the verge of deterioration. The extension of road in some site has notably increased the timber poaching. This situation, as a result, is degrading the forest together with the invaluable NTFPs.With the limited land for farming and livestock, the conventional sources can no more bear the burden of increasing population. Therefore, sound management and production of NTFPs depending upon the institutional management and commercial opportunities have become one efficient alternative to support the livelihood of the people around the Tinjure Area.Tinjure NTFPs Network established in 2063, a pioneer organization working in the field of NTFPs which is formed including 13 community forests (12 from Shankhuwa Sava and 1 from Tehrathum) in the area has been able to markedly transform the way people used to depend on the forest with the initiation and coordination of NORM, Basantapur with IUCN, UNDP/GEF/ SGP and the support of TEF,LFP, and New Era. This Network has been able to make a remarkable progress regarding income generating opportunities for local people.A progressive improvement shown so far is in the Tinjure Hand Paper Industry run by the Network. Started in the year of 2063 it has done a exemplary work providing job opportunity for the people identified as the poorest of the community.It produces..l.. daily which is equivalent to … and is being supplied to different part of the country. This shows approximately % profit.Another small industry they have been running is the Tinjure gurans juice industry. Started only 3 months ago it has done fantastic work. Okhre mahila samuha are really excited seeing the market that they found this season. Like wise it has been supplied … chiraito to dabur Nepal this season only. Other medicinal herbs are also doing well. It has also established a revolving fund for poor people in the area.The Network have established nursery of different medicinal herbs like rare lothsalla, allo, lokta and planning to do commercial production of the herbs. Through this network people from disadvantaged group are being trained and being well sensitized about the conservation income generating activities. Formation of different women’s group and involving them in the conservation and other income generating activities of course is a good initiation.Network seems to establish a local entrepreneurship using poor and disadvantaged groups which is the actual need of every rural area of Nepal.It is clearly seen that working with the Network is far better than working individual cfugs which makes CF easy to create fund, undertake business activities, distribute profit, and increase efficient market linkage and to approach stakeholders. It has become a very good means of very essential timely and effective communication with the CFUGs to develop. It has also enhanced the integrated conservation and development of the area.To make all the efforts more effective, the distribution system of profit should be transparent and equitable. The activities should be documented so that it would be easy to implement further programs more effectively and can be accommodated in the whole TMJ area and also to the other part of Nepal as well.