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Traditional knowledge is an important part of South Africa's cultural heritage. Through
the use of traditional skills natural resources are made into products of cultural value.
Before the large-scale introduction of factory-made goods, African artisans made a
range of implements from local resources. During the 19th century control of these
resources was taken over by colonial authorities; at the same time the ready availability
of imported trade goods led to the decline of local production.
The exhibition is a window on indigenous ways of using natural resources; it also
provides a forum for current research and debate on intellectual property rights.
Resources
for the future
Traditional uses of natural resources developed over many centuries when human
settlement was sparse. During the last 500 years the rapid expansion of farming, industry
and towns, and the over-exploitation of natural resources has, however, drastically
reduced the supply of traditional materials.
This puts pressure on the remaining resources - there is a real danger that some will
disappear. If this happens, some valued resources for raw materials will be gone forever,
the traditions will disappear, and our cultural heritage will be further diminished.
To preserve indigenous knowledge, we must recognize its importance and take
responsibility for preserving it for future generations. Responsible people are pioneering
the commercial cultivation of medicinal plants in order to ensure the continuity of
traditional practices without over-exploitation of the environment.
project developers and advisors |
