Sustainable Harvesting Practices Research Articles

Tree Species Classification by Multi-Season Collected UAV Imagery in a Mixed Cool-Temperate Mountain Forest

Effective forest management necessitates spatially explicit information about tree species composition. This information supports the safeguarding of native species, sustainable timber harvesting practices, precise mapping of wildlife habitats, and identification of invasive species. Tree species identification and geo-location by machine learning classification of UAV aerial imagery offer an alternative to tedious ground surveys. However, the timing (season) of the aerial surveys, input variables considered for classification, and the model type affect the classification accuracy. This work evaluates how the seasons and input variables considered in the species classification model affect the accuracy of species classification in a temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Among the considered models, a Random Forest (RF) classifier demonstrated the highest performance, attaining an overall accuracy of 83.98% and a kappa coefficient of 0.80. Simultaneously using input data from summer, winter, autumn, and spring seasons improved tree species classification accuracy by 14–18% from classifications made using only single-season input data. Models that included vegetation indices, image texture, and elevation data obtained the highest accuracy. These results strengthen the case for using multi-seasonal data for species classification in temperate broadleaf and mixed forests since seasonal differences in the characteristics of species (e.g., leaf color, canopy structure) improve the ability to discern species.

Examining the effect of forest certification on timber harvest best management practice implementation

ABSTRACT Forest certification programs are voluntary initiatives emphasizing sustainable forestry and harvest practices. Compliance with certification standards is enforced through third-party audits. One requirement of most forest certification systems is the use of best management practices during harvesting activities. These practices are designed to mitigate potential negative outcomes of forest management and timber harvesting activities. Best management practice implementation has been found to have a variety of positive outcomes on water quality and other resources. However, information relating forest certification to implementation of best management practices and environmental outcomes on certified versus noncertified lands is scant. Here, we examine the role of third-party certification as it contributes to enhanced forest stewardship via implementation of voluntary best management practices. Our study adds to the limited body of research comparing sustainability practices and outcomes on certified vs. noncertified lands. In alignment with previous research on the topic, our study suggests that adherence to best management practices is better on certified versus noncertified forests. Our findings also suggest that for large public agency ownerships, organizationally driven factors beyond forest certification (e.g. institutional policy and trained staff) influence the use of best management practices during timber harvests.

Frankincense: Art and Science of Resin

Abstract: Frankincense, derived from the resin of Boswellia species, has been valued for millennia across diverse cultures for its aromatic, medicinal, and economic significance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of frankincense, encompassing its historical development, geographical distribution, and trade dynamics. The paper examines the economic aspects of frankincense production, including its impact on local economies and global markets. Detailed attention is given to the plantation and harvesting practices, production statistics, and the chemical composition of frankincense. Various types and colours of frankincense are discussed, along with quality assessment criteria. The review explores the diverse properties and applications of frankincense products, including their benefits and potential side effects. Additionally, it addresses sustainable harvesting practices, conservation efforts, and regulatory considerations. The paper concludes with a summary of recent scientific research, current challenges in the industry, and future directions for exploration and improvement.

Traditionally used medicinal plants for human ailments and their threats in Guraferda District, Benchi-Sheko zone, Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundThe field of traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of knowledge, skills, and practices that are deeply rooted in the theories, beliefs, and experiences of different cultures. The research aimed to identify traditional medicinal plants used in Guraferda District and assess the threats they face.MethodA total of 96 individuals, 80 males and 16 females, were interviewed to gather ethnobotanical data. Statistical tests like independent t tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression were conducted using R software version 4.3.2 to compare informant groups.ResultThe study found 81 medicinal plant species in the district from 71 genera and 38 families, with Asteraceae and Solanaceae families having the most species. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part for medicine. Significant differences in plant knowledge were observed across genders, age groups, education levels, and experiences. The highest ICF value was for Dermal and Cutaneous ailments, and Cissampelos mucronata A. Rich and Bidens pilosa L. had the highest fidelity levels.ConclusionThe study highlighted the importance of traditional medicinal plants in treating ailments but noted threats like overharvesting, habitat destruction, and climate change. Conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to ensure the availability of these plants for future generations. Further research is needed to explore their potential for modern medicine and develop sustainable use strategies.

Uncovering unmet demand and key insights for the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) market before and after the Italian outbreak: Implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders

In the summer of 2023, the Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, experienced an unprecedented outbreak in the Northern Adriatic Sea, significantly impacting Italy's shellfish farming industry and generating widespread media attention. Given that commercially harvesting this edible species is recognized as one of the main strategies to manage its invasion, we conducted an extensive online survey to explore key aspects of C. sapidus market. The survey included questions on public awareness, market availability, consumer’s acceptance, market prices and willingness to pay. We gathered responses from 2466 participants across Italy, between November 2022 and October 2023. To explore possible changes in public perceptions, we compared data from periods before and after the media upsurge. Our findings underscore a rapid rise in public interest fueled by media coverage, coupled with a high favorable reception from Italian consumers, who positively assessed the blue crab's qualities. A notable mismatch between consumer interest and the current availability of C. sapidus in national markets was highlighted, suggesting the importance to address this major gap in the distribution chain of blue crab across all the Italian regions. By tapping into a highly impactful and readily available yet currently underutilized resource, significant economic potential can be unlocked. This approach should be considered while developing long-term adaptation strategies, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices and carefully assessing any potential challenge.

Enhanced local governance as response to threats on vulnerable non-timber forest product species: Case of Garcinia kola Heckel in East Cameroon

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) on which there is high reliance by the local population are often highly threatened. Hence, the current study was carried out to assess the local governance of vulnerable NTFPs and to find prospective strategies for enhancing local governance using Garcinia kola Heckel, a Vulnerable NTFP highly solicited by local communities for their livelihoods in Eastern Cameroon. Focus group discussions were used to collect data in 14 villages adjacent to Belabo-Diang Communal Forest on the major constraints of local governance, and prospects for enhancing local governance to guarantee the conservation and sustainable management of G. kola through a key stakeholders engagement workshop. Synthesis and analysis of the data identified twelve major constraints of the local governance of G. kola. The study also revealed the low power of local authorities over the regulation of the resource rights and its sustainable use, and the laxity and poor participation of different stakeholders in the management of G. kola. The most feasible local governance strategies identified that can enhance the conservation and sustainable use of G. kola were: sensitization on its threats and need to conserve; build capacity of council forest managers and local people on sustainable harvesting practices and planting techniques; the use of incentives to promote regeneration and private plantation and ownership; value chain organisation and the enforcement of the customary regulations. The study concludes that for enhanced local governance to play a vital role in the conservation and sustainable use of vulnerable NTFPs, all key stakeholders need to play their respective roles in a collaborative and responsible manner within the confines of good policies and pragmatic institutional arrangements.

Wildlife harvesting from the Afaka Forest Reserve, Kaduna, Nigeria: The prosperity–posterity crossroad

This study examined the harvesting of wildlife from the Afaka Forest Reserve from the standpoint of economic benefits and sustainability. The data for this study were collected using questionnaire and interview in 2017 from eight communities around the Afaka Forest Reserve, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling approach was adopted to collect data from 134 respondents who harvest wildlife from the Reserve. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and Gini Index analysis. The findings revealed that wildlife incomes from animals like rabbits, porcupines, bats, and monitor lizards contributed 18.41% of total incomes of communities living around the Afaka Forest Reserve in Kaduna State in 2015. Sixty-one percent of the respondents harvested wildlife at least once in a week. Gross margin was highest in porcupine harvesting (N26, 872.73) while the highest return per Naira invested (N8.02) accrued to harvesting of insects. The average gross margin was N10, 610.86 while average return on investment was N2.35. Wildlife income had a reducing effect on income inequality as the marginal effect of wildlife income on Gini index of total income was -0.0883 meaning a 10% increase in wildlife incomes reduces inequality by about 0.9%. The study recommends that wildlife harvesting regulations which curb indiscriminate harvesting should be enforced alongside continuous sensitization of communities on the importance of sustainable harvesting practices towards a balanced prosperity-posterity equation.

Assessing the Potential of Prambanan Biodiversity Park for Sustainable Food Resources and Agriculture in Kemudo, Klaten, Central Java

Prambanan Biodiversity Park (TKP), situated in Kemudo, Klaten, Central Java, is an important natural reserve dedicated for preservation of local biodiversity and environmental protection by PT.Sarihusada Generasi Mahardhika. This research investigates the park's potential in providing food resources and supporting agricultural practices for nearby communities. Assessment of plant species is conducted to evaluate the park's biodiversity, including surveys, species identification, mapping. The collected data provides an overview of the park's biodiversity and serves as a baseline for further analysis. The analysis focuses on identifying plant species within the park that hold potential value for food resources and agriculture. This includes studying ecological relationships between species and plants that contribute to pest control in agricultural systems. To understand the local community's perspectives and practices related to food and agriculture, interviews, focus group discussions are conducted, exploring their traditional knowledge and utilization of biodiversity for sustenance and farming. The research finds several potential benefits of utilizing TKP for food resources and agriculture. The diverse flora of the park offers a variety of edible plants, such as Moringa oleifera and fruit-based species, which can enhance local diets and provide nutritional diversity. Furthermore, traditional plants like mojo hold potential as natural pesticides, contributing to pest control in agricultural fields. Integration of biodiversity into local food systems may require capacity building and awareness programs to promote sustainable harvesting and cultivation practices. The research recommends the development of conservation strategies and policies focused on sustainable practices, community participation, and educational initiatives to maximize the potential benefits for local food security and agriculture. This research drive conservation strategies that protect biodiversity and enhance the well-being of the local community. TKP emerges as an invaluable resource capable of supplying essential food provisions and supporting eco-friendly agricultural practices for neighboring communities, thereby emphasizing the criticality of interweaving biodiversity preservation within the framework of local food systems.

Nurturing Tradition and Nature through Odisha's Shraddha Rituals

Purpose of the Study: This research investigates the use of plant species in Odisha's Shraddha rituals, aiming to highlight the interplay between cultural traditions and biodiversity conservation. It seeks to understand how these rituals contribute to the preservation of the region's botanical heritage and the broader environmental sustainability. Methodology: The study employed qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, discussions with key informants, and direct observations, across both rural and urban areas of Odisha's coastal districts. A total of 167 informants from diverse backgrounds participated, providing comprehensive insights into the rituals and their associated flora. The research also involved collecting plant specimens and photographic documentation to enrich the understanding of these practices. Main Findings: Thirty-nine plant species across 24 families, crucial to the Shraddha rituals, were identified. Notable species like Areca catechu and Cocos nucifera emerged as symbols of the spiritual-nature bond in Odia culture. The study uncovers challenges such as overharvesting and habitat destruction, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable harvesting practices and biodiversity conservation. Applications of this Study: The findings are instrumental for cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management. They provide a framework for local communities and religious leaders to engage in sustainable practices and for conservation bodies to develop strategies that balance cultural traditions with ecological preservation. Novelty/Originality: This research is unique in its ethnobotanical approach to exploring the role of religious rituals in environmental conservation. Integrating cultural anthropology with botanical science offers new insights into how traditional practices can support biodiversity preservation. Its comprehensive analysis across both rural and urban settings in Odisha adds depth and relevance to the understanding of these rituals in contemporary society, making it a novel contribution to the field.

Understanding fishing and conservation of the Pacific seahorse (Hippocampus ingens) in Sinaloa, Mexico, through local ecological knowledge

Abstract The Pacific seahorse (Hippocampus ingens) is a teleost fish native to the Pacific Ocean. In Mexico they are protected by national legislation; however, there are no studies regarding their commercial use or population status. From a conservation perspective they are a threatened fish and from a socio‐economic aspect they represent a source of income for many fishing communities. The integration of these two points of view requires, among other things, the recognition that fishers have knowledge and skills that can help implement conservation strategies and management plans for seahorses and their habitats. The objective was to document the knowledge of fishers from Sinaloa about the fishing status and current commercialization of wild populations of H. ingens. For this, semi‐structured interviews and participatory observation were carried out with 112 participants in the two main ports of the state of Sinaloa (Mazatlán and Topolobampo) from July to August 2021. The data obtained were coded and then, through content analysis, systematized results were obtained that allowed a qualitative and quantitative analysis. The species was found to be caught using six different fishing gears (catch per unit effort, CPUE = 0.07–1.24 seahorses per boat per day) and have an important financial value. Most fishers catch seahorses incidentally, but three of them mentioned targeting them directly. Fishers perceive a decrease in catches and in the size of the Pacific seahorse, as well as an increase in prices. The information analysed indicates that seahorse populations in Sinaloa are exploited and have economic value, despite current regulations. This study shows that the exploitation of seahorses in Sinaloa is unsustainable and requires the implemention of collaborative management strategies (e.g. stakeholder management, the establishment of marine protected areas, sustainable harvest practices, community‐based enforcement efforts, educational campaigns, research, and conservation partnerships) that fully take into account the knowledge and practice of local fishers of Sinaloa and Mexico.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Africa

Traditional medicine plays a vital role in healthcare delivery across Africa, where access to modern healthcare facilities may be limited. This review article provides a comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in traditional African medicine. Drawing upon a wide range of scholarly sources, ethnographic studies, and indigenous knowledge systems, the review explores the rich diversity of medicinal plants utilized by traditional healers and community members for the prevention and treatment of various ailments. The article examines the botanical diversity, therapeutic properties, preparation methods, and cultural significance of commonly used medicinal plants across different regions of Africa. Additionally, the review discusses the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, sustainable harvesting practices, and the integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems. By documenting and promoting the use of medicinal plants in traditional African medicine, this review contributes to the conservation of biodiversity, preservation of cultural heritage, and enhancement of healthcare accessibility and affordability for diverse populations in Africa.

Modeling climate-smart forest management and wood use for climate mitigation potential in Maryland and Pennsylvania

State and local governments are increasingly interested in understanding the role forests and harvested wood products play in regional carbon sinks and storage, their potential contributions to state-level greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and the interactions between GHG reduction goals and potential economic opportunities. We used empirically driven process-based forest carbon dynamics and harvested wood product models in a systems-based approach to project the carbon impacts of various forest management and wood utilization activities in Maryland and Pennsylvania from 2007 to 2100. To quantify state-wide forest carbon dynamics, we integrated forest inventory data, harvest and management activity data, and remotely-sensed metrics of land-use change and natural forest disturbances within a participatory modeling approach. We accounted for net GHG emissions across (1) forest ecosystems (2) harvested wood products, (3) substitution benefits from wood product utilization, and (4) leakage associated with reduced in-state harvesting activities. Based on state agency partner input, a total of 15 management scenarios were modeled for Maryland and 13 for Pennsylvania, along with two climate change impact scenarios and two bioenergy scenarios for each state. Our findings show that both strategic forest management and wood utilization can provide substantial climate change mitigation potential relative to business-as-usual practices, increasing the forest C sink by 29% in Maryland and 38% in Pennsylvania by 2030 without disrupting timber supplies. Key climate-smart forest management activities include maintaining and increasing forest extent, fostering forest resiliency and natural regeneration, encouraging sustainable harvest practices, balancing timber supply and wood utilization with tree growth, and preparing for future climate impacts. This study adds to a growing body of work that quantifies the relationships between forest growth, forest disturbance, and harvested wood product utilization, along with their collective influence on carbon stocks and fluxes, to identify pathways to enhance forest carbon sinks in support of state-level net-zero emission targets.

Model-based scenarios for achieving net negative emissions in the food system

Most climate mitigation scenarios point to a combination of GHG emission reductions and CO2removal for avoiding the most dangerous climate change impacts this century. The global food system is responsible for ~1/3 of GHG emissions and thus plays an important role in reaching emission targets. Consumers, technology innovation, industry, and agricultural practices offer various degrees of opportunity to reduce emissions and remove CO2. However, a question remains as to whether food system transformation can achieve net negative emissions (i.e., where GHG sinks exceed sources sector wide) and what the capacity of the different levers may be. We use a global food system model to explore the influence of consumer choice, climate-smart agro-industrial technologies, and food waste reductions for achieving net negative emissions for the year 2050. We analyze an array of scenarios under the conditions of full yield gap closures and caloric demands in a world with 10 billion people. Our results reveal a high-end capacity of 33 gigatonnes of net negative emissions per annum via complete food system transformation, which assumes full global deployment of behavioral-, management- and technology-based interventions. The most promising technologies for achieving net negative emissions include hydrogen-powered fertilizer production, livestock feeds, organic and inorganic soil amendments, agroforestry, and sustainable seafood harvesting practices. On the consumer side, adopting flexitarian diets cannot achieve full decarbonization of the food system but has the potential to increase the magnitude of net negative emissions when combined with technology scale-up. GHG reductions ascribed to a mixture of technology deployment and dietary shifts emerge for many different countries, with areas of high ruminant production and non-intensive agricultural systems showing the greatest per capita benefits. This analysis highlights potential for future food systems to achieve net negative emissions using multifaceted “cradle-to-grave” and “land-to-sea” emission reduction strategies that embrace emerging climate-smart agro-industrial technologies.

Agent-based model development of a complex socio-ecological system: Methods for overcoming data and domain limitations

Agent-based models (ABMs) are appropriate tools for modelling socio-ecological systems due to their ability to handle complexity. However, development of such models is often an intensive process. There are many tutorials on the general methods and steps in ABM development but there are not necessarily practical details on how to overcome certain challenges. Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.), a kind of fynbos vegetation found in the Western and Eastern Cape mountains, is an important ecological and agricultural product in South Africa. It is considered a complex system due to its variability and unpredictability. The honeybush tea industry faces the challenge of meeting emerging market demands while maintaining sustainable harvesting practices, in the midst of an uncertain future due to climate change. We created a prototype model, HoneybushModel, using the MARS framework, a C# multi-agent simulation toolkit. The model was validated using historic data. Whilst outlining the development processes used to create the HoneybushModel, this paper provides a methodology for the development of such models and demonstrates techniques for addressing data, domain and framework limitations. The implemented model also acts as a case study for similar systems that could be modelled using an ABM.

Commercial Cultivation and Collection Aspects of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

With the increased realization that many wild medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) Species are being over-exploited, a number of agencies are recommending that wild species be brought into cultivation systems. Others argue sustainable harvest to be the most important conservation strategy for most wild-harvested species, given their contributions to local economies and their greater value to harvesters over the long term. Besides poverty and the breakdown of traditional controls, the major challenges for sustainable wild-collection include lack of knowledge about sustainable harvest rates and practices, undefined land use rights and lack of legislative and policy guidance. Identifying the conservation benefits and costs of the different production system for MAP should help guide policies as whether species conservation should take place in nature or the nursery, or both.

Population dynamics of Spirostachys africana Sond. a species highly exploited amongst some communities of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract. Victor PM, Tshisikhawe MP, Magwede K. 2023. Population dynamics of Spirostachys africana Sond. a species highly exploited amongst some communities of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Biodiversitas 24: 492-497. Over-exploitation of important indigenous plant species impact negatively on their population structure. Unmonitored and unsustainable harvesting from plant ecosystems may inhibit plant recovery. The aim of the study was to investigate the population structure of Spirostachys africana in a communal area of Ha-Matsa Village in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Eleven transects of 100m x 10m were used to sample ecological parameter data from 66 plant specimens of S. africana species. Transects were subjectively placed within the population of S. africana. Data on plant height size classes and basal stem diameter size classes exhibited an almost Bell-shaped population curve. The population of S. africana did not have many seedlings, with the Crown health status data revealing a population with generally moderately damaged crowns (24%), while 19% of individuals had healthy crowns. The concern is the recorded 9% of dead crowns. Although the population looks great from a distance, the sampled ecological data revealed an unviable population. The Spirostachys africana population of Ha-Matsa Village does not have more individuals in the small size classes of both height and basal stem diameter. Conservation practice implies that if anthropogenic activities are not properly monitored, there may not be enough young individuals to support the population of S. africana into the future. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the assessment and the effects of harvesting on the S. africana species population. This study also suggests important information and guides ecologists and conservationists on sustainable harvesting practices and offtakes of S. africana.

An Overview of the Indonesian Abalone Industry: Production, Market, Challenges, and Opportunities

The Indonesian abalone industry has been experiencing growth in recent years and holds significant potential for further expansion. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of the abalone industry in Indonesia, including production processes, markets, and trade, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry. The study found that the growth of the Indonesian abalone industry is driven by both the domestic market and the increasing demand for Indonesian abalone in international markets. Despite these opportunities, the industry faces various challenges, such as illegal fishing practices, intense competition, and fluctuating prices. The Indonesian government has implemented regulations to promote sustainable harvest and trade practices to address these challenges. The industry is focused on producing high-quality abalone to maintain its competitive position in the global market. The Indonesian abalone industry needs to overcome these challenges To sustain its growth in the future, expand its market reach through international trade, and continuously produce high-quality products. This review provides valuable insights into the Indonesian abalone industry and highlights potential future directions for growth. The findings of this study could be useful for industry players, policymakers, and researchers interested in the development of the Indonesian abalone industry.

Collective action and shellfish harvesting practices among Late Archaic villagers of the South Atlantic Bight

Indigenous coastal communities across the globe sustainably harvested oysters and other shellfish species for millennia. European colonialism and the emergence of market-based institutions, however, lead to the eventual demise of many oyster reefs and fisheries beginning in the late 1800 s. Circular shell rings situated on Georgia’s South Atlantic coast are the preserved remnants of Native American village communities during the Late Archaic (5000–3000 cal. BP). Mollusk shells from these archaeological contexts hold chemical clues into past human-environmental interactions and thus give insight into Indigenous histories and sustainable shellfish harvesting practices. In this paper, we interpret shellfish geochemistry data (oxygen isotopes, δ18O) from the Sapelo Island Shell Ring Complex within a theoretical framework of cooperation and collective action to understand the ways in which Ancestral Muskogean people of Sapelo Island, Georgia, effectively managed and sustained oyster reefs and other coastal fisheries during the Late Archaic. More specifically, δ18O values from 18 oysters and 57 clams were used to determine season of harvest and to estimate salinity values of the habitats from which the shells were harvested. Results demonstrate considerable variation in estimated salinity values and some statistically significant differences in δ18O and salinity values between shells harvested in different seasons. This indicates that the sedentary villagers who lived at the Sapelo Shell Ring Complex were moving around seasonally and using an array of habitats. We argue that this suggests the presence of social institutions or rules that governed the use of coastal estuaries so that mollusks were not overexploited.

Edible fungi for local and sustainable development in the Patagonian Andes forests of Argentina: A review

Wild fungi are one of the most characteristic and diverse non-wood forest products from native and planted forest environments and grasslands in the Patagonian Andes. Through the technological and scientific platform “Patagonia Fungi, trails and tastes®”, we work to promote mycotourism and mycogastronomy as sustainable identity and inclusive economic and educational activities that promote local development, taking advantage of the outstanding regional tourist profile. We also work on the development of functional foods and promote the cultivation of edible and medicinal fungi. The main objectives of this research were to define novel edible species and evaluate them for sustainable uses, including: environmental characterizations of their fruiting niches and ‘mycosilvicultural’ managements to increase their productivity; documentation and analysis of the ancestral uses and their processes of change; determination of the nutritional and nutraceutical profiles; studies of molecular genetic diversity of various genera; protocols for the domestication of wild species; evaluation and selection of lignocellulosic substrates for cultivation from available residues in Patagonian Andes; economic aspects related to the marketing and use in local gastronomy; evaluation of postharvest preservation techniques. Most relevant actions include the design and implementation of mycotourism trails, the promotion of an identity mycogastronomy; the inter-institutional management of protocols for sustainable harvesting and food safety practices; the incorporation of 21 new species in the Argentinean Food Code. We also work for food sovereignty through a spawn production laboratory fostering edible and medicinal fungi cultivation through courses and assistance to producers from family to productive scales.

Exploring Traditional Medicine in South Africa: A Review of Ethnobotanical Studies on Medicinal Plants

This review delves into the extensive body of ethnobotanical research on medicinal plants used in traditional medicine across South Africa. These plants hold significant cultural value and are employed to treat a wide array of ailments, showcasing the rich heritage of indigenous knowledge passed down through generations. The review synthesizes findings from numerous studies, offering a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic applications and preparation methods of these medicinal plants. It underscores the importance of preserving this indigenous knowledge, not only for cultural heritage but also for its potential integration into modern healthcare systems to improve health outcomes. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical challenges faced by traditional medicine, including overharvesting of plant resources, biodiversity loss, and the erosion of cultural knowledge due to modernization and urbanization. By discussing these challenges, the review advocates for sustainable harvesting practices, conservation strategies, and the creation of frameworks that facilitate the respectful integration of traditional medicine into contemporary health practices. This comprehensive analysis aims to highlight the value of traditional medicinal plants and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure their preservation and sustainable use.