Universal health coverage, primary health care and health systems

Overview

The Gujarat Declaration emphasizes the critical role of biodiversity in supporting traditional medicine and global health. Many traditional medical systems rely heavily on local ecosystems for their medicinal plants, minerals, and natural resources. However, biodiversity is under threat due to climate change, habitat loss, and overharvesting, which endanger the species and ecosystems that form the backbone of traditional healing practices. Ensuring the sustainability of these natural resources is not only vital for maintaining traditional medicine but also for preserving cultural heritage and fostering planetary health. Sustainable practices that protect the environment, combined with efforts to conserve the natural biodiversity essential for traditional medicine, are integral to the future of global health systems.

Significance to TMGL

TMGL plays a pivotal role in documenting the relationship between biodiversity and traditional medicine, providing insights into how ecosystems support health practices around the world. By offering a comprehensive database of medicinal plants and their uses, TMGL supports researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in understanding how biodiversity is tied to health outcomes. TMGL also highlights the importance of sustainable harvesting practices, conservation efforts, and the need for environmental policies that protect medicinal species while ensuring the continued availability of natural resources for traditional healing.

TMGL’s Contribution

TMGL contributes to biodiversity and sustainability by curating knowledge about traditional medicine that emphasizes the responsible and sustainable use of natural resources. The platform showcases research and case studies on sustainable harvesting practices, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of medicinal plants critical to traditional health systems. Additionally, TMGL promotes collaboration between traditional healers, conservationists, and policymakers to foster policies that support the environmental sustainability of traditional medicine. Through these efforts, TMGL strengthens the connection between biodiversity protection and global health, ensuring that the ecological foundations of traditional medicine are preserved for future generations.