Giridhar Amatya is a notable figure from Nepal. He has been involved in conservation efforts related to medicinal plants. These plants are valuable resources that provide both income and healthcare to thousands of people worldwide. In Nepal alone, around 323,000 households rely on the collection of wild medicinal plants for their livelihoods.
Giridhar Amatya’s work has focused on raising awareness about the importance of conserving these plant species. Medicinal plants are threatened globally due to factors such as habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, and pollution. To address this, organizations like IUCN, Plantlife International, and TRAFFIC advocate for a revised and updated Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. This strategy aims to halt the ongoing loss of plant diversity and emphasises the need to involve indigenous and local communities in conservation efforts.
In summary, Giridhar Amatya’s contributions play a crucial role in safeguarding the rich biodiversity of medicinal plants, which not only support livelihoods but also contribute to healthy ecosystems and combat environmental challenges.