Sustainable Cultivation and Harvesting of Medicinal Plants in the Global South

Abstract

Medicinal plants which are rich in bioactive substances like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils, are crucial to both conventional and contemporary systems of healthcare. This review examines sustainable cultivation and harvesting practices of medicinal plants in the Global South, integrating ecological, socio-economic, and governance perspectives. It synthesizes evidence on agroecological approaches, including organic farming, agroforestry, and integrated pest management, alongside traditional practices such as selective harvesting and sacred forest conservation. The review further evaluates conservation strategies, certification frameworks (e.g., FairWild, GACP), and policy instruments influencing sustainable use. Key challenges identified include overharvesting, climate change, knowledge loss, and market barriers, while opportunitie lie in community-led initiatives, value addition, and climate-resilient agriculture. The study highlights the need for inclusive governance, equitable benefit-sharing, and integration of indigenous knowledge with scientific innovation to ensure long-term sustainability of medicinal plant resources.