Socio-ecological perspectives of Himalayan Giant Nettle (Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis) in Nepal. Issue 1 (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Subedee, Bijay Raj; Chaudhary, Ram Prasad; Uprety, Yadav; Dorji, Tashi
• Is Part Of: Journal of natural fibers. Volume 17:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 9
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Himalayan Giant Nettle -- bast fibers -- Kailash Sacred Landscape -- economic potential -- traditional fiber -- Allo; 喜马拉雅荨麻 -- 韧皮纤维 -- 神山圣景 -- 经济潜力 -- 传统的纤维; Textile research -- Periodicals; Textile research; Periodicals; 677.005
• DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2018.1458684
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1544-0478

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Natural fibers have attracted considerable attention in recent years because of their low cost, renewable, and eco-friendly nature. The study investigated the economic, social, medicinal, and traditional use of Himalayan Giant Nettle commonly called "Allo" ( Girardinia diversifolia ) in Nepal. The fiber extracted from "Allo" is one of the income sources for people living in rural mountainous region of Nepal. The traditional fiber processing techniques, use of locally available materials, and medicinal value helped to preserve "Allo." Nevertheless, the resource stock is declining from its natural habitat due to changes in traditional grazing practices, rapid expansion of plantation of cash crops like large cardamom ( Amomum subulatum) and Chirayito ( Swertia chirayita) where "Allo" grows naturally. Cultivation, sustainable harvesting, and policy formulation on "one-door taxation" system are important to preserve this important natural fiber species.