What are MPCAs, and why do they matter?

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MPCAs are forest patches specially set aside for the in situ conservation of medicinal plants. That means these plants are protected right where they naturally occur—without being uprooted or relocated. These areas are left mostly undisturbed, except for essential ecological care like preventing fires, controlling invasive species, or helping with soil and water conservation.

Crucially, no harvesting is allowed in these zones. The idea is to give nature the time and space it needs to restore balance.

But MPCAs are not just about protecting plant species—they're about protecting entire ecosystems, traditional knowledge systems, and the rural communities that depend on them.

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‍FRLHT-TDU: Planting the First Seeds of a National Movement

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The concept of MPCAs didn’t emerge from thin air. It was pioneered by the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT)—now known as The University of Transdisciplinary Health Sciences and Technology(TDU) in Bengaluru.

Back in the early 1990s, FRLHT began collaborating with State Forest Departments in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu under the DANIDA-supported programme to set up the first batch of MPCAs. Their approach combined ecological science with local knowledge, mapping hotspots of medicinal plant diversity and working with forest communities to protect them.

This model was a game-changer—it demonstrated that in situ conservation of medicinal plants was not only possible but highly effective when done collaboratively. Eventually, it laid the foundation for India’s national strategy on medicinal plant conservation.

Today’s nationwide MPCA network stands as a living legacy of this early innovation.

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Choosing the Right Sites: From Diversity to Genetic Wealth

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In the early years, MPCAs were often chosen based on species richness—places where many different medicinal plants could be found. But overtime, a deeper understanding emerged: it’s not just about the number of species; it’s about protecting the gene pools of species that are rare, endangered, or heavily harvested for trade.

This led to a more strategic approach post-2004. Sites began to be selected not just for diversity, but for their ability to sustain viable wild populations of threatened and endemic species—especially those under commercial pressure.

This change made all the difference. It aligned conservation with both ecological science and practical realities on the ground.

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Why In Situ Conservation Beats Cultivation

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There’s a common belief that we can simply grow medicinal plants through cultivation to meet demand. While that works to some extent, it doesn’t address the core issue of long-term species survival.

In situ conservation—letting plants grow in the wild, in their natural habitats—is the most cost-effective and ecologically sound way to protect their genetic diversity and ecological roles. Cultivation can support availability, but it can’t mimic the complex relationships plants have with soil, climate, microbes, animals, and even each other in the wild.

Simply put: if we want to conserve the essence of these healing species, we must protect them where they truly belong.

India’s MPCA Network: A Quiet Revolution in Forests

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Since the early 1990s, India has steadily built a network of over 210 MPCAs across 21 states, making it the largest in situ medicinal plant conservation effort in the tropical world.

These areas range from 10 to 200 hectares, spread across various forest types—from Himalayan heights to coastal plains—each one chosen carefully for its ecological value and community compatibility.

Stories from the Wild: Species Making a Comeback

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Some of India’s most precious medicinal plants—once on the brink of extinction—are slowly bouncing back thanks to MPCAs:

• Guggul (Commiphora wightii): This resin-producing plant, key to many Ayurvedic formulations, was nearly wiped out due to overharvesting. Now, it’s regenerating in protected areas in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Sariba (Decalepis hamiltonii): Its fragrant roots were in such high demand that the species was critically endangered. Today, it’s finding refuge in the dry hills of Karnataka.
• Ashoka(Saraca asoca): Famous for treating women's health issues, this tree is revered across India—but threatened by bark harvesting. Thanks to MPCAs, wild populations are stabilizing once again.

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These aren’t just plant stories. They are testimonies of resilience, made possible by protection, patience, and partnerships.

Partnerships that Work: Forests, People, and Policy

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What makes MPCAs truly powerful is the way they bring together different forces: government departments, NGOs, researchers, local communities, and forest dwellers.

Each group brings something to the table: ecological expertise, traditional knowledge, stewardship, or policy support. Communities living around these areas often become custodians of biodiversity, especially when conservation is linked to local livelihoods and cultural practices.

MPCAs also offer other benefits—water retention, climate buffering, pollination, and cultural identity. They remind us that protecting nature is not just about species, but about sustaining whole ways of life.

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The Road Ahead: Strengthening the Roots

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The work is far from over. As demand for herbal medicines grows, and climate change reshapes ecosystems, the need for MPCAs will only increase.

To keep the momentum going, we must:

• Expand the network to include more gene pool-rich sites.
• Invest in ecological monitoring and scientific research.
• Deepen community participation and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
• Integrate MPCAs into broader strategies on health, climate, and rural development.

Conclusion: A Living Legacy of Healing and Hope

MPCAs are one of India’s quiet success stories. They don’t make headlines, but they are doing the hard work of preserving the roots of our healing traditions—literally and figuratively.

They show us that conservation is not just about saving plants—it’s about honoring the relationships between people, forests, and knowledge. And in a time when both biodiversity and health are under pressure, that’s more important than ever.

So the next time you brew a herbal tea, use a traditional balm, or read a label that says “natural remedy”—remember, there’s a whole forest silently working to keep that tradition alive.