The environmental education program in Mujib introduces the use of plants and herbs for medicinal purposes, drawing on the knowledge and wisdom of the areas ancestors to gain insight from their rich experience with their natural surroundings. The program aims to protect and conserve medicinal plants, many of which are threatened species due to human impact, such as over-grazing and cutting, through sustainable use.
To help facilitate learning, RSCN has recently compiled a guidebook to aid students in classifying some medicinal plants in the field, while learning general information about their medical usage. As a part of the education program in Mujib Nature Reserve, students can visit a garden to observe medicinal plants, taking the time to note any life cycle changes they may notice throughout the year. In addition to enjoying this casual outdoors activity, students are taught how to conserve medicinal plants through scientific harvesting techniques, which allow them to be used at a later time in the laboratory.
The reserve is now equipped with a wonderful new laboratory, allowing students to work hands-on preserving herb samples and preparing them for medicinal use. After learning about different indigenous plants and their medicinal virtues, students are able to confirm their acquired knowledge about usage, while correcting any misconceptions they may have previously developed. This exciting participatory learning method increases students’ knowledge and prepares them for further levels of higher education.