Ethnomedicinal diversity and cultural resilience among the Manobo of west Lamidan, Philippines: Bridging traditional knowledge and biodiversity conservation
Paper Details
Ethnomedicinal diversity and cultural resilience among the Manobo of west Lamidan, Philippines: Bridging traditional knowledge and biodiversity conservation
Abstract
Indigenous knowledge systems form a vital component of biodiversity conservation and community resilience. This study documents the ethnomedicinal diversity of the Manobo tribe in West Lamidan, Davao Occidental, Philippines, and explores how traditional plant use sustains both human and ecological well-being. Using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with tribal healers and elders, 125 plant species from 48 families were recorded, including 62 medicinal taxa. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part, and decoction was the predominant preparation method. Use-value and informant-consensus analyses identified culturally salient species such as Coffea sp., the locally known “Manggulibas,” Allium cepa, and Vitex negundo, which are widely used to treat infectious and parasitic diseases. Beyond quantitative indices, ethnographic insights revealed that remedies are prepared only when needed, transmitted orally, and occasionally revealed through dreams, reflecting a dynamic and adaptive healing tradition. This oral system demonstrates both resilience and vulnerability, as modernization threatens its continuity. The Manobo pharmacopeia not only reflects prevailing community health conditions but also highlights conservation concerns for culturally significant yet threatened species, including Vanda sanderiana and native Coffea spp. By linking indigenous ethnomedicine with biodiversity stewardship, this study underscores the role of traditional knowledge in maintaining socio-ecological resilience. Documenting and protecting such heritage is crucial for sustaining cultural identity, ecosystem integrity, and future opportunities for biocultural conservation research.
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