About

The Indigenous Knowledge & Biodiversity Symposium is a multidisciplinary gathering that brings together researchers, traditional health practitioners, students, government, environmental practitioners, community leaders and policymakers to explore the future of indigenous knowledge and medicinal plant conservation.

The symposium provides a platform to share research, celebrate indigenous knowledge systems, promote sustainable use of biodiversity and strengthen partnerships that support community development and environmental stewardship.

Through keynote presentations, scientific sessions, community dialogues and student presentations, participants will explore innovative approaches to conserving Indigenous plant species, highlight their value to all the stakeholders( especially students) while ensuring that indigenous knowledge continues to benefit future generations.

Why This Symposium?

Medicinal plants are central to the health, culture and livelihoods of communities throughout Southern Africa. However, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, climate change and the erosion of indigenous knowledge threaten these valuable resources.

This symposium seeks to create meaningful dialogue between science and indigenous knowledge systems, encouraging collaborative solutions for conservation, sustainable livelihoods and improved environmental governance.

Symposium Objectives

The symposium aims to:

• Promote research on medicinal plants and indigenous knowledge.
• Strengthen collaboration between universities, government and communities.
• Showcase innovative conservation initiatives.
• Encourage student participation in ethnobotanical research.
• Support evidence-based environmental policy.
• Promote sustainable use of indigenous biodiversity.
• Foster partnerships that contribute to climate resilience.

Conference Themes

Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Traditional ecological knowledge, cultural heritage and community knowledge documentation.

Ethnobotany

Medicinal plant use, ethnopharmacology and cultural plant diversity.

Biodiversity Conservation

Protected areas, restoration, threatened medicinal species and sustainable harvesting.

Climate Change

Climate impacts on medicinal plants, adaptation and resilience.

Environmental Education

Community awareness, youth engagement and indigenous learning.

Sustainable Livelihoods

Green economy, indigenous enterprises and community development.

Natural Products & Traditional Medicine

Medicinal plant chemistry, healthcare and product development.

Policy & Environmental Governance

Conservation legislation, access and benefit-sharing, and biodiversity policy.