An event on the sustainable harvesting of Wintergreen (locally known as Dhasingare/ Machino) was organized on 10 April 2025 in Boch, Dolakha. The event was jointly hosted by the District Federation of Community Foresty Users Nepal (FECOFUN), Dolakha, and the Southasia Institute of Advanced Studies (SIAS), It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including collectors, community forest (CF) representatives, and entrepreneurs involved in the Wintergreen value chain.
The program featured three panel discussions representing each stakeholder group—collectors, CF user groups, and entrepreneurs—allowing for focused dialogues on their respective roles, experiences, and challenges. The event was facilitated by Bhola Khatiwada, a prominent community forestry activist.
Wintergreen collectors shared their methods and experiences in harvesting , while CF representatives discussed their management practices and monitoring systems to ensure sustainability. Entrepreneurs in the panel provided insights into the market demand and the quality of raw materials required for oil extraction and trade. A significant contribution came from Hastabahadur Bhujel, an early pioneer in oil extraction in Dolakha Hedemonstrated proper harvesting techniques during a field visit to a nearby community forest, enriching the practical knowledge of the participants.
Following the interactive discussions and field learning, all participants collaborated to draft a set of 15 rules aimed at promoting the sustainable harvesting of Wintergreen. These guidelines are intended to be followed by all stakeholders involved in the process to ensure the long-term conservation of the species and equitable benefit sharing among the local communities.
