Utilization Status of Wetland Flora by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Major Lakes of Pokhara Valley, Nepal

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the utilization and conservation status of wetland flora by indigenous peoples and local communities by documenting the use patterns based on their indigenous and local knowledge in the three major lakes - Phewa, Begnas and Rupa in Pokhara valley, Nepal. It assesses the species distribution and ecosystem health of both aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem services generated by the plant species found in the lake basins of these lakes. The focus of the study is on assessing biological status of and trend in the use practice of these floral species found in and around the lakes by the communities based on their diverse and traditional practices. Three methodological tools: Plant Collection and Herbarium Analysis, Key Informant Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were applied for collection and analysis of data. The collected herbaria were cross-checked with the herbarium specimens available at the Tribhuvan University Central Herbarium (TUCH).  A total of 81 wetland-based plant species of 72 genus and 42 families were recorded. Out of which 39 plants species were found being used for medicinal purposes, while 6 plant species was used for food, 4 plant species used for fodder purposes and 3 plant species used for both medicine and food purposes and only one plant species used for firewood purpose in the three-lake basin areas. Change in status of availability of plants over the years was studied with the help of the knowledge and insights of indigenous peoples and local communities. The study found out that around 18 plant species are in declining form and 6 species are in increasing form while 57 species are in stable form in and around the lake basin areas.