Management plan of a medicinal plant species in demand: the case of Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv

Abstract

Studies on the impact of bark harvesting for medicinal purposes on Brackenridgea zanguebarica revealed a high degree of overexploitation. Conservation effort from all levels is highly welcomed since it will be contributing towards conservation of this indigenous medicinal plant. It is therefore clear that an integrated approach of taking best conservation practices from western as well as indigenous systems can be the way to go.

Formation of a Participatory Natural Resource Management Associations in areas where natural resources are being threatened by unsustainable harvesting practice can help in bringing together interested stakeholders into the mainstream of protecting such resources. Such associations should be governed by natural resource harvesting policies with clear objectives around documentation, monitoring and evaluation of harvesting. These policies should cover ecological, social, as well as economic concerns of stakeholders.

Keywords: Harvesting impact, integrated management, sustainable harvesting