IUCN Nepal

Government policies on agriculture, forestry, water, energy and industry have tacitly encouraged over-use of the country's natural resources. The consequent exploitation of natural resources has had a negative impact on productivity by raising production and maintenance costs and aggravating the problem of biodiversity conservation.

Industry plays a vital role in the economic growth of a country. The industrialisation process is essential for modernisation, income generation, employment opportunites, industrial development and the production of other necessary facilities. Recognising the importance of environmental considerations in industrial development, HMGN endorsed the guidelines on 24 July 1995 and published it in the Gazette on 6 November 1995 (vol.45, no.29, 1995).

The primary purpose of this publication is to promote economic thinking in environmental management and resource conservation in Nepal.

This publication presents information on the identification, phytogeography, utilisation and promotional potentials of rattans in Nepal. It also highlights the status of rattan utilisation and conservation along with prospects for their cultivation and domestication. Rattan habitats in the sultry forest of terai and the damp gorges of deep rivers are being progressively reduced due to human encroachment.