Nature’s living legacy: Ethnobotanical wisdom and indigenous plant use in gulmit, Hunza

Title : Nature’s living legacy: Ethnobotanical wisdom and indigenous plant use in gulmit, Hunza

Abstract:

The Hunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a treasure trove of natural biodiversity, home to numerous medicinal plants that have sustained local healthcare practices for generations. However, the region's traditional ethnobotanical knowledge is at risk of being lost due to modern influences like increased access to pharmaceuticals and changing lifestyles. This study documents 36 plant species from 21 families used by the residents of Gulmit, a village in the upper Hunza Valley, for treating ailments such as jaundice, aBSfever, and high blood pressure. Using semi-structured interviews with elders and field visits, the research captures the cultural and medicinal significance of these plants. By preserving this invaluable knowledge, the study aims to bridge traditional practices with modern therapeutic applications, ensuring its relevance for future generations
Keywords: Environmental health, Eco-Friendly Health, Conservation of Plants, Indigenous Knowledge, Innovation

Biography:

Asif Khan is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Central Asia in Khorog, Tajikistan, majoring in Earth and Environmental Science. He come from Hunza, Pakistan, and his passion for environmental issues stems from personal experiences with climate change and displacement. He had worked on projects related to glacial melt in the Pamirs, medicinal plant conservation, and GIS mapping. He had served as a teaching assistant and participated in several Model UN conferences, youth leadership programs, and translation projects. He is fluent in Wakhi, Urdu, English, and Tajik, and learning Persian and Russian. He enjoy writing poetry and research, and he committed to using education, science, and cross-cultural collaboration to promote sustainability and resilience in vulnerable regions.