Sharing Innovative Experiences (Vol.7)

FOREWORD

I am pleased to present Volume 7 of the series "Sharing Innovative Experiences." This volume analyzes 12 case studies from different countries in the South, focusing on conservation and wise use of indigenous and medicinal plants.

Indigenous and medicinal plants have raised a good deal of interest in the scientific and development communities around the world. There is, however, a widespread feeling among developing countries and scientists that people and institutions in the South have not yielded the economic and social benefits of conservation and propagation of medicinal and indigenous plants.

Partnerships between Southern and Northern institutions built on transparent and equitable contractual basis are most needed. Mutual trust and development of joint ventures would help all stockholders share responsibility and benefits of conservation and use of indigenous and medicinal plants.

This volume provides useful examples of successful South-South and North-South partnerships. It puts forward some important lessons on forging effective strategies to promote and sustain the use of indigenous and medicinal plants. Finally, it portrays lessons on strengthening the relationships between traditional knowledge culture, and conventional modern medicine.

UNDP Special Unit for TCDC was honoured to support the production of this volume. The Third World Network of Scientific Organizations implemented the project including the preparation of this volume.

I would like to extend my appreciation to the Third World Network of Scientific Organizations (TWNSO), Secretary General Mohamed H. A. Hassan and Director of Communication Daniel Schaffer, as well as Atsede Worede-Kal and Francisco Simplicio, Information Managers of the SU/TCDC for their endeavour in producing the volume. I would also like to thank Atta-ur-Rahman, Minister of Science and Technology, Pakistan, and M. Iqbal Choudhary, H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, Pakistan, who served as our regional partners in this effort.

Mme. Safiatou Ba-N'Daw
Director
Special Unit for Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries
United Nations Development Programme