Biodiversity and Medicinal Plants in Nepal: Involving Untouchables in Conservation and Development

Abstract

In this article, I consider the specific uses made of findings from anthropological research to a current biodiversity conservation project in Nepal. The project links biodiversity conservation with the marketing of high-altitude medicinal plants in the vicinity of Khaptad National Park. Drawing from ethnographic and historical data I demonstrate that employing a specific group of people untouchables achieves the project's key goal: to produce the greatest amount of benefit for the greatest number of people.