The isolated and breathtaking Annapurna region in the Himalayan mountains is a magnet for tourists, travelling their to climb the 5,000m snowy passes. Located between Nepal and Tibet, the area is home to centuries old Buddhist communities who, despite their long legacy as a peaceful people, have turned to crime, conflict and corruption.The source of tension? The fungus-embalmed body of the Himalayan bat moth caterpillar, known as Yarsagumba. Famed as an aphrodisiac and immunity booster in ancient Chinese medicine, the natural substance is comparable to Viagra.
Collecting Yarsagumba is against Buddhist tradition, and trading in it is seen as a sin, so the resource has been unexploited, until recently. Now, it's reported that a new youth generation, less mindful of ancient tradition, have seized the opportunity to make money from this valuable resource. Sold illegally at around $10,000 per kilogram, many Tibetan traders have found a quick route to wealth.
With hundreds flocking to the hillsides from March each year, when the picking season commences, the district government have begun to enforce a permit system, to control the collection of Yarsagumba; greater rights are given to local mountain villagers and outsiders are banned from picking it.
But the high value of the drug has lead to crime and punishment. Local mobs, guarding their picking territory, murdered seven men in June 2009, an incident which spurred a large-scale police investigation and resulted in the arrest of thirty-six villagers. Although many have since been released on bail, it’s thought that over half still remain in a makeshift mountain prison, despite their protests of innocence.
Until the case comes to trial in March, their wives and families will continue to feel the brunt of both emotional and economic loss, with their men behind bars and unable to work.
The turmoil being caused by the fight for economic gain seems only to reinforce the reasoning behind the traditional Buddhist beliefs of leaving Yarsagumba well alone.
This summary was also featured on Responsible Travel News
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