Indigenous and Ethnobotanical Conservation

Metrics for Measurement:

1. Plant Species Diversity + Preservation

   • Plant species inventories: Ground surveys to identify and document indigenous plant species over time.

   • Plant population sizes: signals efficacy of conservation efforts.

   • Genetic diversity: Analyze genetic variability within populations of plant species to understand their resilience and adaptability to environmental changes

   • Habitat restoration: Compare initial state of reforested area to improvements made over time.

   • Establishment of Seed Bank: Within the greenhouse, develop a native seed bank to preserve seeds for intergenerational use, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of plant species.

    

2. Indigenous Participation + Engagement in Conservation Efforts

   • Community involvement metrics: Track attendance, survey feedback, and workshop engagement of members in decision-making processes, planning, and implementation of conservation projects.

   • Stakeholder consultations: Conduct regular consultations and meetings with Indigenous communities to gather feedback, address concerns, and ensure voices are heard in conservation initiatives.

   • Capacity building activities: Assess extent to which Indigenous community members are involved in training programs, workshops, and skill-building activities related to conservation and natural resource management.

   • Collaborative partnerships: Document establishment of partnerships and collaborations between Indigenous communities, conservation organizations, and government agencies to co-manage protected areas or conservation projects.

    

3. Documentation of Traditional Knowledge + Lab-Based Studies 

   • Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) documentation: Record and preserve Indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge and practices related to plants, including their uses, cultivation techniques, and cultural significance.

   • Ethnobotanical studies: Research medicinal properties, chemical composition, food uses, and lab-based studies of plants. Based on oral traditions, we could use the laboratory to measure how the plant affects biomarkers (eg. blood sugar levels, mineral levels, etc).

   • Oral history interviews: Collect oral histories and narratives from elders and knowledge holders about traditional plant knowledge and practices.

   • Ethnobotanical databases: Create databases or repositories to store and disseminate information about indigenous plant species and their uses, accessible to Indigenous communities and researchers.

    

4. Socioeconomic Improvement

   • Income generation opportunities: Track development of sustainable livelihood initiatives, such as ecotourism, non-timber forest product (NTFP) harvesting, or handicraft production.

   • Education and skill development: Assess impact of educational programs, vocational training, and capacity-building initiatives on enhancing the skills and knowledge of Indigenous community members.

   • Health and well-being indicators: Monitor improvements in healthcare access, nutrition, and overall quality of life within Indigenous communities due to conservation and development projects.

   • Empowerment and self-governance: Document the strengthening of Indigenous governance structures, decision-making processes, and self-determination through community-led initiatives and partnerships.

Methods of Presentation:

• Reports showcasing diversity of preserved plant species

• Testimonials and stories from Indigenous community members

• Documentation of traditional practices through videos or written records

• Data on economic benefits accrued by Indigenous communities