Traditional Medicines, Practices, Preservation, and the Impact of Climate Change

Ku.Sal Marginalized Women Organization (KMWO) recently organized a meeting and discussion session in Haluaghat, Mymensingh, with elders who are experts in traditional medicines and healing practices. These practices, deeply embedded in Indigenous cultures, rely on the natural environment, particularly on medicinal plants and resources found within their local ecosystems. However, the growing impacts of climate change are severely threatening these age-old traditions.

As climate change alters ecosystems, depletes biodiversity, and disrupts natural habitats, Indigenous communities are finding it increasingly difficult to access the plants and materials essential for their traditional healing methods. The loss of these natural resources not only endangers healthcare for these communities but also risks erasing significant cultural heritage tied to these practices.

Preserving Indigenous knowledge and traditional medicines is now more critical than ever. The ongoing environmental degradation caused by climate change puts both the health and cultural identity of Indigenous communities at risk. KMWO’s efforts to engage with elders and preserve their wisdom are crucial in promoting resilience, ensuring the continuation of traditional healthcare practices, and safeguarding Indigenous culture for future generations.