Traditional Knowledge of Plant Resources in Dharchula Region Biotechnological Potential Conservation and Management Strategies

Abstract

Traditional systems of medicine were and are used in health care by many countries of the world. For a long time, the knowledge on traditional systems of medicine was confined to the local communities only. It is only during the recent years that much of the traditional knowledge associated with the health care system has been documented and subject to scientific verification through ethnobotanical studies coupled with phytochemical investigations and bio-assays. These studies, in fact, have led to the discoveries of wonder drugs. Although ethnobotanical studies have been carried out in many countries including India, there are many geographical areas where rich traditional knowledge associated with ancient cultures are not yet documented. Dharchula range of Himalayas inhabited by Bhotia communities is one such area where livelihoods of communities are based upon plant resources and unique plant culture. The present studies on quotTraditional knowledge of plant resources in Dharchula range: biotechnological potential, conservation and management strategiesquot was, therefore, undertaken with the objectives: (i) to document the traditional knowledge associated with the plant resources, (ii) to carry out economic evaluation of the plant resources traditionally used, (iii) to assess the conservation status of plant species used, and (iv) to evolve Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime of the traditional knowledge documented and associated plant resources and sustainable management of plant resources. newlineThe ethnobotanical surveys have revealed that: (i) over 80 plant species belonging to 40 families are used for fodder, firewood and other household utilities by the Bhotia community, (ii) trading of herbal products of medicinal values form the basis of livelihoods of Bhotia community, (iii) information on uses of several species is new and documented for the first time, (iv) as many as 13 species have biotechnological potential to yield products of considerable economic value...