Wild Himalayan Spice Transforms Lives and Protects 100 Sq Km of Forest in Arunachal Pradesh Conservation

In the lush landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district, a humble wild Himalayan spice, Zanthoxylum, known locally as Khagi, Erma, Shyein, or Yarma, is driving an inspiring conservation success story. Traditionally valued for its sharp citrus aroma and tingling numbness on the tongue, Khagi has long flavored local cuisine and served indigenous healing traditions. Now, it's helping protect over 100 square kilometers of community-owned forests. This transformation is the result of years of dedicated work by WWF India, collaborating with Indigenous communities and traditional village institutions to fortify Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) across the region. In the Mandala Phudung Khellong CCA, villagers have ingeniously linked the future of their forests with the prosperity of Khagi. By creating a community-led system for sustainably harvesting, aggregating, and marketing the spice, they've turned a native forest species into a consistent source of income that champions conservation over extraction. Every kilogram of Khagi sold now contributes directly to forest patrols, biodiversity monitoring, and community welfare, providing a tangible economic incentive to preserve thousands of hectares of forest. Arunachal Pradesh stands out in India, with nearly 80% forest cover and over 60% of these forests under the de facto custodianship of Indigenous communities. This community ownership is crucial for conservation in one of India's richest biodiversity landscapes. The initiative, which gained momentum in 2019, has organized villagers to collectively manage Khagi. Direct market linkages, including with companies like Dabur India, now ensure that both the husk and seeds can be sold, preventing waste and maximizing value. "Our partnership with companies has made a significant difference by bringing a reliable market for Khagi right to our doorstep," shares Phurpu, a member of the Mandala Phudung Khellong CCA Management Committee. This has led to fair and uniform pricing, replacing the fragmented trade of the past. Between 2024 and 2026, the community sold over 10 metric tonnes of Zanthoxylum, generating a turnover of approximately Rs 39 lakh and benefiting more than 200 households. A significant Rs 6 lakh from these earnings was reinvested into the Community Conserved Area Management Fund, establishing a self-sustaining cycle of conservation. Beyond the income, the community has developed a comprehensive management plan. Working with the traditional Mangma institution and Panchayati Raj Institutions, the CCA Management Committee has implemented rules restricting hunting, regulating resource use, and prohibiting unsustainable commercial extraction. "The income doesn't stop with individual households. It also supports forest protection, biodiversity monitoring and village welfare. That has changed the way people look at our forests," says Pem Choijang, the Gaonburah (traditional village headman) of Mandala Phudung village. This innovative model proves that conservation doesn't demand a choice between protecting forests and supporting livelihoods. Instead, by building an economy around a species that is native to the landscape and deeply embedded in local culture, the Mandala Phudung Khellong community is demonstrating a path where intact ecosystems are valued as perpetual assets, fostering both ecological health and human prosperity.

Source: The Better India