Don advocates for proper documentation of information on traditional African knowledge
Proper Digital Documentation of information on Traditional African knowledge for human endeavor and economic stability have been identified as a contributing factor to biodiversity in the Country.
Head, Department of Pure and Applied Botany, Federal university of Agriculture, Abeokuta FUNNAB, Dr Abiodun Oyelakin stated this at a paper presentation on African Biodiversity and Traditional knowledge,the past, present and Future.
Dr Oyelakin who spoke at a 3 day conference capacity building organised by African Biodiversity And Traditional Knowledge Research Development Project, held at Conference Hotel, Abeokuta, stated that development of Rural-Urban cities, human nature , influence of individual religious beliefs and over -dependence on importation of herbs had largely affected economic and human health, advocated for digital documentation in order to preserve African traditional knowledge.
He noted that preservation of Medicine, traditional knowledge and animal species among other factors play an important role in African Biodiversity
He opined that “the preservation, protection and promotion of the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of local and indigenous communities is of key importance for developing countries.
“Their rich endowment and biodiversity plays a critical role in the health care, food
security, culture, religion, identity, environment, sustainable development and trade.
It is particularly crucial for the most vulnerable segments of the society and for indigenous peoples
worldwide.
He lamented that “this valuable asset is at risk in may parts of the world, an here are concerns that this
knowledge is being used and patented by third parties, with few or none of the benefits being
shared with the original traditional knowledge holders, and without their prior informed consent.
While such concerns have pushed traditional knowledge to the forefront of the international agenda, the best ways of addressing the range of issues related to its preservation, protection, further development and
sustainable use are not yet clear.
In another paper presentation by the Director, Biomedicinal Research Centre, Forestry Research institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr Ibraheem Lawal , titled “Utilizing Biodiversity Conservation for Massive self-sustainable employment opportunities and National Economic development” said there was need for sustainable ecosystem management, to balance ecological, economic and social-cultural components.
Dr Lawal noted that maintenance of safe environment depend on the availability of green plants, adding that the solutions to the problem of loss of genetic resources requires a very crucial and intensive research on the propagation.
Participants at the workshop appreciated the organiser of the program and called on Government to earmarked fund for the promotion and sustainability of natural knowledge and biodiversity.
Earlier the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Project, Chief Shuaib Aro while speaking on the theme of the capacity building tagged ‘Exploiting Biodiversity Conservation And Traditional Knowledge Research For Generational Rebirth’, called on the stakeholders to ensure proper research into the medicinal value of all plants and animals with the aim of partnering government in eradicating poverty in the society.
Salient Times report that the workshop was organised in conjunction with National Orientation Agency.
