Indigenous Wisdom to Ethical Innovation in Tribal Knowledge Protection, Medicinal Plant Quality Integrity, and Nagoya-Compliant Conservation Priorities

Praveen Chandra Dubey; Mohammad Nadeem Khan

doi:10.36808/if/2026/v152i2/171085

Indigenous Wisdom to Ethical Innovation in Tribal Knowledge Protection, Medicinal Plant Quality Integrity, and Nagoya-Compliant Conservation Priorities

Authors

Praveen Chandra Dubey
Mohammad Nadeem Khan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2026/v152i2/171085

Keywords:

Indigenous knowledge systems, Medicinal plant quality integrity, Nagoya Protocol compliance, Biocultural conservation, Ethical bioprospecting.

Abstract

Traditional medicinal knowledge (TMK) developed by indigenous and tribal communities embodies one of humanity's oldest and most ecologically grounded healthcare systems. This knowledge—rooted in ancestral wisdom, biodiversity stewardship, spiritual frameworks, and centuries of practical experimentation—continues to inform modern Ethnopharmacology and drug discovery. However, accelerating Bio-piracy, unsustainable bioprospecting, habitat destruction, climate instability, and weakening intergenerational knowledge transmission now threaten both TMK and the biodiversity on which it depends.Aligned with the CBD COP-16/4 (2024) decision on Article 8(j), this article presents a novel, three-pillar framework to protect traditional knowledge systems, ensure medicinal plant quality integrity, and implement Nagoya-compliant conservation strategies. It proposes a forward-looking roadmap integrating indigenous stewardship, modern scientific validation, ethical governance, and community-led conservation and propagation models. The approach not only preserves cultural identity but also strengthens national biodiversity strategies, sustainable livelihoods, and future drug discovery pipelines.

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