Background to the project
Eighty percent of Africa uses traditional medicine, according to Mender’s report in “Economics of the Traditional Medicine Trade in South Africa” published in 2007. In South Africa alone it is estimated to be worth 2.9 billion rand a year, employing more than 133 000 people, mostly rural woman.
As per the recent central government indaba on the biodiversity-based economy hosted by the Department of Fisheries Forestry and Environment and supported by the Departments of Agriculture, Trade and Industry and Higher Education, the medicinal plant trade is a key rural industry and business incubator as well as having possible export opportunities. However, supply of plant material (some 770 species) and medicines is not sustainable and, in many cases, has already led to a virtual extinction of species through unsustainable harvesting and denuding of landscapes by “muti hunters”. All plants are harvested from the wild, with popular species becoming locally extinct and being traded at very high prices. It should also be noted that research has shown that many of the rare, threatened and endangered species are slow growing with vast propagation challenges.
Current research and development effort focuses on novel drugs research for western uses, with little effort being directed at improving the current harvesting, production, processing, storage and treatment technology for uses within the traditional local market.
Our approach
Identification of endangered species and assessment of reasons for their decline through community and academia engagement, leading to conservation, rehabilitation, and protection of natural environments within the biosphere. Implementation of training and educational programs focused on endangered species, fostering environmental awareness, greening initiatives, clean-up efforts, and sustainable development projects.
Conservation efforts through awareness campaigns and sustainable utilization practices.
Propagation of plant species through seed collection, cuttings, bio-banking, and establishment of seed orchards, ensuring a chain of custody for species suitability and commercial sustainability.
Adherence to South African laws governing rare, threatened, and endangered species, utilizing practical field experience with species and stakeholders to guide the process.
Facilitation of multi-sector collaboration and partnerships with government/quasi-government bodies, communities, and corporate entities in South Africa to ensure sustainability.
In essence, Biodiversity Trust endeavours to streamline conservation efforts, leveraging existing knowledge and partnerships to maximize impact and minimize duplication of efforts.
