Promoting sustainable bioeconomy practices: Case studies from the Hindu Kush Himalaya

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has tremendous potential to develop a sustainable, inclusive bioeconomy – the promotion of economic activity that relies on biological resources such as medicinal and aromatic plants, and forest products – to provide sustainable goods, services, and employment for local communities, rooted in nature-based solutions. This compendium highlights community-led bioeconomy practices from Nepal, India, Bhutan, and China, including nature-based products, circular innovations, and climate-resilient textiles. It offers critical insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners on how mountain bioeconomy can support conservation, climate resilience, and gender-equitable livelihoods.

This publication is produced under HI-REAP, funded by the United Kingdom International Development through its flagship Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme.