Traditional Knowledge, Bioprospecting, and Biodiversity
I. Role of Traditional Knowledge (TK) in Bioprospecting Definition and Context Traditional Knowledge (TK) refers to the innovations, practices, and knowledge systems developed by indigenous and local communities over centuries (Mathew, 2013). When applied to the search for biological resources for commercial or medicinal use, it is known as bioprospecting . Strategic Importance ● Efficiency in Research: Utilizing TK can increase the efficiency of screening plants for medicinal properties by more than 400% (Reid, 2009). ● Chemical Storehouses: Indigenous groups act as custodians of knowledge regarding "complex chemical storehouses" in plants that modern science has yet to fully catalog (Reid, 2009). ● Foundation for Discovery: TK narrows down millions of plant varieties to those with specific medical pr...
