Role of Traditional Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Indigenous Communities in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals with 169 targets. The Agenda 2030 of the United Nations envisages a holistic approach to achieve these goals by focusing on humankind and the planet. In this review, we analyzed the scientific literature and technical reports of international bodies such as the United Nations and Food and Agriculture Organization relating to traditional ethnobotanical knowledge (TEK). The literature on TEK was mapped with the targets of the SDGs to determine the role of traditional knowledge in the realization of selected goals and targets. Our extensive and systematic reviewing of available literatures suggests that, of the 17 goals, at least seven goals are associated with TEK. To achieve these seven goals, a thorough understanding is required to disentangle the intricacies involving TEK, indigenous people holding TEK, and their future role in achieving the SDGs. Our review points towards the role of TEK in achieving goals linked to poverty, health and wellbeing, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life on land, and partnerships. In summary, we argue that achieving the intended outcomes of the SDGs and the targets requires concerted efforts of all relevant stakeholders, including indigenous communities, common citizens, scientists, policy makers, and world leaders.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Güce district, north-eastern Turkey

“…Of the 17 sustainable development goals adopted by the Member States at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015 at least seven are related to traditional knowledge (TK) ( Kumar et al., 2021 ), the product and whole of the interaction of the individual and society with nature ( Berkes, 1993 ). However, TK is being lost throughout the world ( Ramirez, 2007 ).…”

Herbal medicine used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the Rif, North of Morocco

“…The decoction’s widespread usage is explained by the fact that it allows for the collection of the most active elements and attenuates or eliminates the poisonous impact of some recipes. In other parts of Morocco, ethnobotanical research surveys revealed that most respondents prepared the treatment using decoction ( Ramana, 2008 ; Ghasemi et al, 2013 ; Chaachouay et al, 2020a ; Chaachouay & Zidane, 2021 ; Kumar et al, 2021 ; Orch et al, 2021 ; Benkhnigue et al, 2022 ). This demonstrates that the Moroccan people are constantly exchanging knowledge about the usage of therapeutic and aromatic herbs.…”

Non-edible plants traded in traditional markets of Beringharjo, Yogyakarta and Pasar Baru, East Kalimantan, Indonesia: The role of biocultural system

“…The bio-cultural approach has become pivotal in the conservation of this diversity in the analysis of cultural and biological conditions, as well as the study of socio-ecological systems and TEK in traditional markets (Arellanes et al 2013;Silalahi et al 2015;Sulaimi and Sabran 2018;Sujarwo et al 2019;Alfian et al 2020;Franco et al 2020;Iskandar et al 2020). Moreover, biodiversity trading and TEK play an important role in achieving goals associated with Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty, health, responsible consumption, and production, as well as conservation of the environment and biodiversity (UNEP 2008;EMG 2020;Kumar et al 2021).…”