FRI's Nationwide Medicinal Plant Challenge Documents 256 Species Across India
The Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun successfully concluded the All-India Medicinal Plant Documentation Challenge, a comprehensive 21-day nationwide programme that ran from January 6 to 31. This ambitious initiative saw enthusiastic participation from naturalists and biodiversity enthusiasts across the country, resulting in the identification and geo-tagging of an impressive 256 medicinal plant species from diverse ecological regions.
A Collaborative Effort for Biodiversity Awareness
Organized by the Environmental Information Awareness Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) resource partner, the challenge was designed with multiple objectives in mind. Primarily, it aimed to raise public awareness about the rich diversity of medicinal plants native to India, promote biodiversity conservation, and encourage active community participation. The programme strategically aligned with two significant national movements: the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative and the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, which encourages citizens to plant trees in honor of their mothers.
Renu Singh, Director of FRI, emphasized the broader impact of such endeavours. "The contributions from participants highlighted a wide spectrum of medicinal plant species sourced from incredibly diverse regions—from the rugged mountain terrains of the Himalayas to the unique saltwoods of southern India. Initiatives like these are crucial as they foster greater public understanding of traditional healing practices, underscore the importance of environmental protection, and promote eco-friendly living principles," she stated.
Documenting Rare and Common Species Nationwide
The documentation effort yielded significant findings, including several rare and endangered species. Shivam Kumar Sharma, Programme Officer at EIACP-FRI, provided detailed insights into some of the notable plants recorded. "Among the species documented was Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), which is listed as endangered and included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This particular plant was geo-tagged in the Chamoli district," he explained.
The challenge also documented a variety of other important medicinal plants from different states, showcasing the geographical spread of the effort:
- Lavandula (lavender) from Gujarat
- Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) from Madhya Pradesh
- Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) from West Bengal
Widespread Participation Across Indian States
The challenge truly embodied a collaborative citizen science effort, attracting participants from numerous states across the country. Riya Jain, Information Officer of EIACP-FRI, highlighted the extensive reach of the programme. Participants included dedicated naturalists and biodiversity enthusiasts from states such as:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Andhra Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Jharkhand
- Haryana
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
- Uttarakhand
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
This nationwide participation not only enriched the database with regional insights but also strengthened the network of individuals committed to preserving India's botanical heritage. The successful completion of the All-India Medicinal Plant Documentation Challenge marks a significant step forward in documenting and conserving the country's invaluable medicinal plant resources, while actively engaging citizens in environmental stewardship.
