ABSTRACT:
This paper examines the importance of documenting ethnobotany and traditional knowledge (TK) using a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative ethnographic data with quantitative synthesis. Findings highlight the global dependence on plant-based medicine, with nearly three-quarters of the world’s population relying on herbal remedies and about 80,000 medicinal plant species in use. Traditional applications of Azadirachta indica (neem), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Catharanthus roseus (periwinkle), Adansonia digitata (baobab), and Piper methysticum (kava) demonstrate the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern pharmacology, supported by scientific validation. Ethnobotany also significantly contributes to global economies, with herbal medicine valued at USD 151 billion in 2021, Ayurveda and traditional wellness at USD 23 billion, and eco-tourism at USD 75 billion. Cultural practices such as sacred groves in India (Maharashtra, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh) play a vital role in biodiversity conservation. These findings align with earlier research emphasizing the adaptability of indigenous systems and their role in sustainability. However, major challenges persist, including knowledge loss, biopiracy, and inadequate recognition of community contributions. The study concludes that participatory and ethically grounded ethnobotanical documentation is essential to safeguard biodiversity, preserve cultural identity, and ensure economic justice for future generations.
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