Forests are emerging as an important frontier in the development of natural, plant-based medicines, providing a rich source of bioactive compounds used in both traditional and modern therapeutic research.
As global interest grows in safe, sustainable, and locally sourced remedies, forests present new opportunities to harness biodiversity for health innovation while supporting conservation.
In this context, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) today hosted the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) at KFS Headquarters in Nairobi to explore collaboration in the use of forest materials for the development of alternative medicine derived from trees and other forest species.
The discussions focused on tree growing, sustainable harvesting of medicinal materials, and technical support from KFS in the propagation of medicinal tree species, alongside the involvement of local communities in cultivating and managing these resources.
The meeting was led by Principal Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr. Clement Ng’oriareng, and Prof. Elijah Maritim Songok, Director-General and CEO of KEMRI, who were joined by other officers from the two institutions, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing research, conservation, and sustainable use of Kenya’s forest biodiversity for health and economic development.
By Anthony Solly
