Altitude is a critical factor influencing vegetation composition, ecosystem properties, and soil nutrient availability. This study, conducted in the Central Himalaya’s Myagdi area in Nepal, explores the distribution of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) across an altitudinal range from 1800 m to 3800 m above sea level. A total of 50 species were identified, predominantly herbs (40), followed by shrubs (7), climbers (2), and ferns (1). The researchers employed square plots (n=69 of 25 m2) sampled at 100-meter intervals along the altitudinal gradient. Various factors such as slope aspect, disturbance levels, and habitat characteristics were recorded at each plot. Soil samples were collected using standard methods, and soil variables including pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus were investigated. The findings indicated a decline in plant species abundance with increasing elevation, as determined by a linear model. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between habitat characteristics and slope aspect. However, there was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between disturbance levels and MAP abundance. Soil pH exhibited a decreasing trend with elevation (4.5 to 6.5), while SOC increased with higher elevations, suggesting a positive relationship. Although species richness did not significantly correlate with SOC, total nitrogen showed a positive relationship with elevation. Available potassium exhibited a significant positive relationship with elevation, as did the correlation between plant abundance and potassium. Conversely, available phosphorus displayed a significant negative relationship with elevation, while a positive relationship was observed between plant number and phosphorus. The study underscores the intricate relationships between soil parameters, MAPs, and environmental factors along altitude gradients. Further research in different Himalayan regions will enhance our understanding of these interactions, contributing to broader insights into the impacts of altitude on vegetation and ecosystems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected humankind worldwide, slowing down and even reversing the progress made in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It has negatively impacted most SDGs but with positive impacts on a few. We discuss some initial impacts observed and explores potential impacts on the achievement of SDGs for Nepal. The study followed a knowledge co-creation process with experts from various professional backgrounds, involving five steps: online survey, online workshop, assessment of expert’s opinions, review and validation, and revision and synthesis. The pandemic has restricting impacts on the progress of most SDGs. However, it has also opened a window of opportunity for sustainable transformation. Many of the negative impacts may subside in the medium and long terms. The negative impacts on SDGs resulted from factors linked to the pandemic or the measures taken to control it. The key five impending factors are lockdowns, underemployment and unemployment, closure of institutions and facilities, diluted focus and funds for non-COVID-19 issues, and anticipated reduced support from development partners. The generated transformative opportunities are lessons learned for planning and actions, socio-economic recovery plan, use of information and communication technologies and impetus to the digital economy, reverse migration and ‘brain gain,’ and local governments’ exercising authorities. For sustainable transformation, the window to grasp these opportunities is short-lived and will get narrow over time, i.e., before rebounds occur following the past trajectories.