Biodiversity and Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge of North-East India: Navigating Climate Change Impacts on Medicinal Plants for Conservation and Advancement -

Abstract

The northeastern region of India holds the sixth position among the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots, covering approximately 8% of the nation's total land area, which amounts to 262,060 square kilometers. Situated in the eastern Himalayas, any alterations in this biodiversity-rich area can have significant and far-reaching consequences. Indigenous tribes of this region believe in the remarkable healing properties of certain medicinal plants, and within its diverse population of around 225 communities, each tribal and sub-tribal group possesses distinct traditional knowledge. Capturing and harnessing this indigenous wisdom by scientists and researchers could unlock new avenues for progress, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector. Climate change stands as one of the paramount global environmental challenges. Predictions indicate that by the close of the 21st century, the Earth's average temperature might rise by anywhere between 0.3 to 4.8 °C, accompanied by a potential sea level increase of 26 to 82 cm. These climate shifts could have adverse effects on the abundance and accessibility of medicinal plants, potentially leading to species extinction. Moreover, the impact of climate change could extend beyond availability to also encompass alterations in the pharmacological properties of various plants, particularly those found in alpine environments. This discussion underscores the importance of existing knowledge, critical analyses, challenges, opportunities, and the immense value of medicinal plants. It emphasizes the intersection of changing climate and the vulnerability of medicinal plant resources, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of these effects in the context of the North Eastern region of India. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for in-depth research on the geographical distribution of plant communities and strategies to enhance the secondary synthesis of critically endangered medicinal plants under the current climate change scenarios.