Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Sustainable Use

• Over many generations, indigenous communities in certain areas have gained knowledge through their interaction with the environment
• People discovered that certain plants have medicinal value; they are sometimes more effective and have fewer side effects than modern medicines
• Indigenous people determined which plants are edible, which are poisonous and which store water. This is known as indigenous knowledge and was transferred through generations to modern communities
• Approximately 3 000 plant species are used by 200 000 traditional healers in South Africa.
• This widespread use of these plant species has placed natural populations under pressure. They are either endangered or close to extinction in the wild
• This overexploitation also has a serious impact on biodiversity in these areas.
• To prevent overexploitation and destruction of this important natural resource, it is essential to use it sustainably
• Sustainable use is the use of resources to fulfill human needs while ensuring there is a sufficient supply for future generations