Format: ORAL

Arshad Mehmood Abbasi1, Arfaa Sabbah1

Department of Environmental Science, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus 22060, Pakistan

Ethnobotany is the study of the dynamic relationship between humans and plants that has developed over thousands of years. This particular form of botanical research plays a key role in identifying and preserving traditional knowledge systems, which can lead to the loss of invaluable original knowledge if ignored. Ethnobotanical research focuses primarily on documenting and preserving traditional wisdom, but it also acts as a bridge between traditional knowledge and advanced scientific methodologies. Pakistan is a country with diverse ecosystems and rich bio-cultural diversity. A number of ethnobotanical studies have been conducted on various ethnolinguistic communities throughout the country, mainly in the northern and northern mountainous regions. These studies reported various uses of plants for medicinal, food, cultural, ritual, economic and other purposes. This knowledge has proven invaluable in the identification of potential medicinal compounds, the sustainable management of natural resources and the conservation of local biodiversity. Although ethnobotany is an emerging field in Pakistan, socio-economic changes, climate change and habitat destruction are major challenges that threaten both traditional knowledge and plant biodiversity. Therefore, the future of ethnobotany in Pakistan requires a holistic approach that combines traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific methods to develop sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation and economically viable solutions for local communities. Looking ahead, the prospects for Ethnobotany in Pakistan are as follows: Active collaboration between ethnobotanists, indigenous peoples and policy makers to develop effective strategies for sustainable conservation and use of bioresources. This strategy aims to achieve a more harmonious balance between human activities and the environment by incorporating local perspectives into conservation strategies and policy frameworks. Integrating modern technologies such as GIS mapping and molecular analysis to advance ethnobotanical research. Advanced technologies and data analysis provide opportunities for the systematic documentation and dissemination of ethnobotanical information, which improves its accessibility and usefulness.