Role of biotechnology in the conservation of rare, threatened and endangered medicinal plant species in the Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland)

Abstract

The use of indigenous medicinal plants by people is widespread in the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Southern Africa region as a whole. However, due to over exploitation, and for some other reasons like climate change, some indigenous medicinal plants have become endangered and are threatened with extinction. Subsequent loss of biodiversity is at stake. Urgent intervention is therefore, required to conserve them. The purpose of this study was to document plant biotechnology techniques which can be used in conservation of rare, endangered and potentially threatened medicinal plants of crucial importance in the country and region. Various ways of conservation through plant biotechnology are discussed.

Keywords: Indigenous medicinal plants, endangered, biodiversity conservation, plant biotechnology.

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