Community Based Conservation and Management of Medicinal Plants in India

India one of the twelve centres of mega biodiversity areas of the world with two biodiversity hotspots viz , Western Ghat and Eastern Himalayas. As one amongst the top repositories of medicinal plants , India is one of the major sources of raw material for the global market. Unsustainable exploitation of medicinal plants has led to the extinction of many plants and many plants are on the verge of extinction. The local communities who are well known for their knowledge of the medicinal properties of various plants needs to be involved in conservation and management of medicinal plants. Policy makers have realised the importance of community based conservation of the medicinal plants. Successful implementation of activities related to medicinal plants conservation and their sustainable utilization needs the involvement oflocal communities , especially women groups and provides scope for income , employment and empowerment of primary users of medicinal plants. Some of the works by Government and non-government organization related to community based conservation is discussed in the paper. Experience of FRLHT , in five states of India , WWF work at Sus ala Gene Bank , Pragya project in three habitats of Himalayas and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Program in Asia (MAPPA) are different experiences that constitute the pivotal role of community participation. The conservation and management of medicinal plant is possible through a suitably designed area specific participatory models. A community based medicinal plants conservation and sustainable utilisation programme , if designed appropriately , can ensure increased access to health resources to the rural poor , and create jobs and sustainable livelihoods.