The FUGs are now responsible for collecting entry charges from harvesters (NRs. 100 per collector) and a further conservation charge (NRs. 5,000 per kg) is levied. In the first year alone, the groups collected over NR800,000 (US$12,500). Following initial difficulties in collecting the charges, the FUGs set up four teams of younger group members to guard the entry points to the harvesting areas and enforce the fees. The fee income has been used to develop a micro-hydropower plant, benefiting all three FUGs.
There are still a number of challenges which need to be addressed. However, the intervention of ANSAB and commitment of FUGs has proved a viable and profitable alternative to the shortcomings of government regulation of yarshagumba collection in Nepal. ANSAB is now calling for more FUGs to become involved in forest management schemes to protect the communities they represent and the forests they depend on.
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