IN-MAPs Project: Implementing the NTIS in the Sector of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (IN-MAPs) is the third Tier 2 project that has been approved by the EIF Board for implementation in Nepal. Under the technical assistance and capacity building category, the EIF has provided 3,000,000 Euros and the GoN has done counterpart funding of 300,000 Euros. The duration of this project is for three years with an overall objective to strengthen the capacity of the MAPs actors in the coordination and implementation of the NTIS in the context of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) is one of the major products as identified by the NTIS 2010. The Himalayan use of medicinal and aromatic plants has directly contributed to the livelihoods of people in Nepal’s mountainous areas for centuries. Nepal’s biodiversity exists due to its unique climatic conditions, and many isolated topographical locations that host around 7,000 species of plants. About 1,800 species are currently in use for the production of Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha medicines and for essential oils. A recent report counted 701 species of medicinal plants in Nepal. Out of the total, about 250 species are being traditionally used for medicinal purpose and more than 100 species have been commercially collected from the wild. The major part of collected plants is exported to India in raw form. A smaller part is processed into essential oils or used in the manufacturing of traditional Ayurvedic medicines. Most of the processed essential oils are exported to overseas markets and then used in the manufacturing of cosmetics, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Local production of such items for export is very limited. At present, two regions (Mid-Western and Far-Western) contribute together more than 85% of the total collection of herbs in Nepal. Both these regions are also significantly affected by poverty.