One of only two biodiversity ‘hotspots’ in the entire subcontinent, the North East of India, where Manipur is situated, is endowed with vast bio-resources supporting more than 50 per cent of India’s entire biodiversity, 40 per cent of which is endemic to the region.
These resources are the raw materials for the traditional medicines and herbal remedies that form the basis of Maibarol, the indigenous Manipuri healthcare system being practised and developed by the BBRC. They also provide a key livelihood and health security to a large segment of the local population.
"For most endangered medicinal plant species, no conservation action has been taken and there is very little material of them in genebanks.
Increasing interest in the use of plants as medicines has been based on the assumption that these resources will be available on a continuing basis. In truth, insufficient efforts are being made to ensure this, in the face of the threats posed by increasing demand, population growth and escalating destruction of plant-rich habitats.
Furthermore, detailed information and modern scientific data about individual plants and their medicinal properties are severely lacking. For most endangered medicinal plant species, no conservation action has been taken and there is very little material of them in genebanks.Without changes in attitudes and practices, many of Manipur’s medicinal plants could face extinction or, at the very least, severe genetic loss.
Under the expert guidance of Pukhrambam Vineet Singh, the BBRC’s Head of Botanical Conservation, this Project aims to prevent Manipur’s unique medicinal plant resources from becoming extinct by identifying, conserving and studying them in a responsible and sustainable way.
This Project has the following five objectives:
1. The direct conservation of medicinal plant populations in situ (i.e. throughout their natural wild environment, in the ‘sacred groves’ of Manipur),
2. The sustainable collection and ex situ conservation and propagation of these plants (i.e. within the safe confines of the BBRC’s botanical garden and herbarium)
3. The taxonomical categorisation of these plants (i.e. establishing the botanical identity of the plants)4. The development of research, education and training programmes aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation of these plants
5. The production of a complete inventory and database of Manipur’s medicinal plants.
How You Can Help:
You can support this important project by making a donation to the BBRC by making a donation by simply clicking on the Paypal button below and choosing the amount you would like to donate. Your money will help pay for the manpower, equipment and land lease fees we require to progress our conservation programme and for developing sponsorship and partnership initiatives.
If you plan to visit Manipur and would like to contribute to this or any of the other BBRC projects as a volunteer please contact us.
For more information about the BBRC Conservation Project or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please complete the form on our Contact page
