Pilot Model
Our pilot model is deliberately specific — a defined geography, a shortlist of priority botanicals, identified biomass streams, and a clear set of circular outputs we intend to test.
Geography
Proposed pilotSolukhumbu is one of Nepal's highest inhabited districts — home to Mount Everest and to concentrated populations of high-value medicinal plants, with farming communities who hold generations of botanical knowledge.
Priority elevation range for our initial species is roughly 1,200–3,500 m. A Discovery Lab workspace has been identified at the National Innovation Center in Birgunj for early sample work.
Tingla, Solukhumbu District, north-eastern Nepal · 27.42°N, 86.59°E
Priority Botanicals
Proposed pilotTwo species anchor our initial natural-products work; others are under earlier-stage review. Threatened and internationally regulated species are handled conservatively.
| Species | Local name | Interest | Stage | Conservation note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berberis aristata | Chutro / Daruharidra | Isoquinoline alkaloids (e.g. berberine) | Priority research species | No CITES restriction |
| Swertia chirayita | Chiraito | Secoiridoid glycosides (e.g. swertiamarin) | Priority research species | IUCN Near Threatened — cultivation-based sourcing prioritized |
| Prinsepia utilis | Dhatelo | Fixed seed oil | Preliminary feasibility | No CITES restriction |
| Nardostachys jatamansi | Jatamansi | Sesquiterpenes (reference only) | Conservation study only | CITES Appendix II — excluded from commercial extraction |
Bioactivity of these species is documented in the scientific literature. SHIBH does not make therapeutic claims about its products.
Biomass Streams & Outputs
Proposed pilot