| Ethnobotany (people, plants) is the study of how cultures use native plants for food, medicine, clothing, shelter, ceremonies. Each use of a plant resource is a category to be studied to determine the impact on the environment.
Scientists are be trained in many disciplines for this unique profession. The scientists who gather and collect the information and plant specimens are called ethnobotanists. They are experts of interactive native environments.
Ethnobotanists work with local communities to develop ethnobotanical gardens, reserves of land with native plants and ecosystems, to be used for medical research. They are in a position of trust to protect indigenous peoples' rights. They compensate the information givers, plus they help them to preserve the land, people and their cultures. Without this compensation the knowledge will be lost. With changing habitats, the natives need financial means to control their destiny.
Many are drawn into Western ways of using their environment such as clear cutting for logging and cattle grazing. They become forced into destroying the environment that has sustained them.
By providing income for the "good use" of the resources, land and knowledge, it is a win-win-win. The natives do not sell their land to those who slash and burn.
The pharmaceutical companies continue producing better and more effective cures.
The environment is balanced for the future.
This is sustainable development.
Money can grow on trees ! |
