Traditional Knowledge tips for biodiversity and herbarium preparation

GANGTOK, 27 Dec: A Training Workshop was organized by The Mountain Institute India [TMI] on “Field based biodiversity assessment, documentation of Traditional Knowledge associated to Biodiversity and Herbarium Preparation methods” during 22-24 December 2012.
A press release informs that the trainees were young Research Scholars of Sikkim, traditional practitioners and healers, and Biodiversity Management Committee members of Pendam and Lingee-Payong. The training was one of the major components of the project funded by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
The primary objective of the workshop was to provide in-house and field based training on scientific methodology of biodiversity assessment, and herbarium preparation. The training was also provided on documentation of Genetic Resources (GRs) and associated Traditional Knowledge (TK).
The resource persons for the training included Dr. Ghanashyam Sharma [TMI India], Dr. Tika Sharma [expert on medicinal plants], Dr. Bhoj K. Acharya [Sikkim Government College] and Dr. Shiva K. Sharma [Department of Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim].
The release mentions that this training was the first of its kind where traditional practitioners and healers, Biodiversity Management Committee members learnt scientific methodologies from the research scholars. On the first day Dr. Ghanashyam Sharma informed the participants on the training components and objectives and emphasized on the importance of the documentation of biological diversity and GRs and Benefit Sharing of GRs through ABS process.
Dr. Bhoj K. Acharya, an expert on birds and butterflies in the region, in his presentation informed the participants on the diversity of flora and fauna, biodiversity and genetic resources and the related Traditional Knowledge in the Eastern Himalayas. He highlighted on the issue of endemism and species extinction of bio-diverse flora and fauna in different altitudinal ecosystems.
Further, he discussed the problem of poaching and subsequent illegal trade of wild flora and fauna derivatives, which he said was posing a big threat to some endangered and vulnerable species of high altitude birds and wildlife. He cited examples such as Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra), Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis Cruentus), Himalayan Monal, Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), Musk Deer (Moschus Chrysogaster), Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), and Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctus thibetanus), etc. which are under great threat.
He also trained the participants on the identification of venomous and non-venomous snakes and explained the first aid required during snake bites. He added that snakes are critical components of the ecosystem and these creatures should be conserved.
However, Dr. Acharya, expressed his concern over the lack of research and documentation of insect diversity in the Sikkim Himalayas. He further stressed on the need to quantify the population of vulnerable and endangered species of flora and fauna found in the region through survey and/or research.
Speaking on the different tools and techniques used in research, he added that the survey techniques adopted for the purpose should be species-friendly. In addition, he briefed the participants on the different cultural and traditional uses of bio-resources, especially in the rural areas, which has been playing a major role in the conservation/preservation of those resources.
Further, he briefed the participants on several regulatory provisions for the protection and conservation of wild flora and fauna species such as Wildlife protection Act 1972, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, Indian Biological Diversity Act 2002 and Biological Diversity Rules 2004.
Dr Shiva K. Sharma in his address reiterated that Genetic Resources and the associated Traditional Knowledge are time-tested and have evolved since centuries. He perceived the need to document the plant species diversity. Urging the participants to encourage the local experts of Traditional Knowledge or TK-holders towards documentation, he went on to explain the documentation process to the participants. Dr. Shiva trained the participants on the field based biodiversity assessment methodologies using several scientific techniques.
Dr. Tika Sharma, one of the main resource persons for the training, in his address highlighted the need of commercialization of bio resources in Sikkim, as the state is far behind in comparison to other Indian states. Swertia chirayta, Aconitum sp., Nardotachys jatamansi, Picrorrhiza kurrowa and Gloriosa superba are the only medicinal plants/herbs commercialized till date in Sikkim, he acknowledged.
He stressed on the revival of the traditional herbal medicinal culture of the Sikkim Himalayas rather than depending entirely on allopathic medicines. Dr. Tika trained the participants on the field based herbarium collection methodologies. He also trained in-house herbarium preparation methods.
On 23 December, the participants were provided hands-on training at the Hanuman Tok area on herbarium preparation. The process of herbarium preparation was explained in full detail by the resource persons and demonstrated at the field.
On 24 December, in-house training on documentation of bio-resources and associated traditional knowledge was imparted to the participants. Finally, training certificates were handed over to all the participants of