Promoting Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants as Efforts to Achieve Cultural and Ecological Sustainability

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants in two regions in Oaxaca, Mexico, the Chimalapas and the Sierra Norte, are discussed as an example of the ways in which changing cultural values, traditions and economy affect local strategies of resource use and management. Through an analysis of traditional medicine we aim to shed light on the complex social, political and historical forces affecting land use management in Oaxaca today. This paper argues that community management of natural resources fosters a greater sense of responsibility and better stewardship of the land. These community-based management approaches also better integrate indigenous knowledge and traditions in management decisions. Further, indigenous peoples' efforts to develop their own management plans are important not only in promoting ecological and economic sustainability, but also cultural sustainability, which is essential for the survival of the indigenous medical knowledge, values and traditions.