medicinal plant library school in Martinique

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by Claire JOSEPH, Centre de culture populaire Ypiranga de Pastinha Martinique

aerial view of the Tivoli plant library

Claire JOSEPH

We set up a plantotheque-school project in a 4,000 m² space in the heart of Fort-de-France's urban district (Quartier de Tivoli).

Over a twelve-month period, CCPYPM selected and planted 150 medicinal plants and 20 species of nutritional plants. This "medicinal plant library" enables visitors to learn more about the virtues of these plants thanks to educational panels positioned opposite each species. The various species are grouped by therapeutic indication (e.g. dermatological, gastrointestinal, nervous, cardio-circulatory, accessory, respiratory...). A book of over 300 pages has also been produced to bring together the information gathered on each plant (photo, botanical description, therapeutic indications, preparation method - source: TRAMIL, Ribeiro University Brazil...).

Finally, 25 new referents have been trained in the recognition, care and use of medicinal plants.

Last update: 23 Nov 2020

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Context

Challenges addressed

Loss of Biodiversity

Ecosystem loss

Invasive species

Lack of public and decision maker’s awareness

Scale of implementation

Local

Ecosystems

Green spaces (parks, gardens, urban forests)

Theme

Access and benefit sharing

Biodiversity mainstreaming

Location

Martinique

Caribbean

Impacts

Positive impact:

Raising people's awareness of plant biodiversity through cultural interest in local pharmacopoeia.

Inhabitants of Fort-de-France neighborhoods

Visitors to the plant library (general public)
Researchers (scientists)
Public authorities (municipalities, Martinique Botanical Conservatory, etc.)
Referrers: thanks to the training, create vocations to develop plant libraries elsewhere in Martinique.

Creation of a medicinal plant library with 150 medicinal plants grouped by ailment.

Broadcast of 2 television reports on the project.

Organization of a conference bringing together experts (botanists, pharmacists, chemists, etc.) to inform 97 people about the biodiversity of the local pharmacopoeia, as well as precautions for use and planting (e.g. medical advice, EEE, etc.).