Introduction

Ethnobotanical Society of Nepal (ESON)

Ethnobotany, a branch of science that includes beliefs, tradition, religion and culture of the particular community or area, refers to the relationship between people and plants. Ethnobotany has contributed significantly to the social, economical, cultural and environmental development. Ethnobotanical studies started in the mid-1950s, but only from the last few decades its importance has been recognised in Nepal. Ethnobotany can contribute conservation of natural resources and community development by documenting and utilising invaluable indigenous knowledge, on the traditional use and management of plant resources, prevailed among different ethnic communities residing in diverse geographical ranges from Terai to high Himalaya of Nepal.

With the aim of enhancing the study and promoting the proper utilisation of plant resources in Nepal, ESON (Ethnobatanical Society of Nepal) was established on January 12th, 1997. ESON is a government registered, action oriented, non-political, non-religious, non-profit making, and non governmental organization, committed to safeguard traditional knowledge regarding plant use, conservation and sustainable utilization through the co-ordination, promotion, and research activities.

ACTIVITIES

With an overall objective of documenting indigenous knowledge, ESON aims to achieve its objectives by:

• Promoting research activities through information exchange among plant scientists and institutions at national and international levels;

• Increasing public awareness on different issues related to indigenous knowledge and ensure Intellectual Property Rights;

• Organizing seminars, conferences, and exhibitions on issues related to economically important plants of Nepal;

• Strengthening communities’ capacity through training programmes for both skill and leadership development.

• Initiating and promoting cultivation on medicinal plants and other economically important plants for conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

• Publishing books, newsletter, and journal related to Ethnobotany;

• Mobilise scientific knowledge and technology especially for the development of indigenous knowledge, and economically important plants.

• Networking and co-ordination with NGOs/ Government organisations working at the grass roots level and other regional NGOs and INGOs at the international levels.

MEMBERSHIP

The following five types of membership are provisionally available:

Honorary member: This is awarded to renowned scientists contributing in the field of ethnobotany during his/her career of not less than 20 years.

Ordinary member: An ordinary member is eligible if he/she holds a Master's degree in botany or an allied subject related to ethnobotany

Life member: Any ordinary member is eligible to become a life member if he/she donates Rs 2,000/- (Two thousand) to the society.

Associate member: Institutes, NGOs, societies, or other interested persons who deals directly with ethnobotany are entitled to become Associate members.

Corporate member: Foreign institutions (including INGOs), international societies or foreign nationals dealing with ethnobotany are entitled to become corporate members.