Medicinal and aromatic plants: Conserving health, heritage and livelihoods

Abstract

Humanity uses up to 60,000 medicinal plant species worldwide. Biodiversity is the basis for most patented pharmaceutic drugs, and the resource base for traditional health services to 80% of the global population, mainly in Africa, Asia and Pacific SIDS. Nine Oceania governments engaged in the development of WHO’s traditional medicines strategy 2025-2034.