Leveraging Ethnobotany to Unlock The Green Economy Potential of Flores Through Local Textile Industry

Abstract

Flores is an island in Wallacea with a rich diversity of more than 150 plant species, some of which are endemic, such as Begonia kelimutuensis and Rhododendron renschianum. Plants have a critical role in ecological functions, such as carbon storage, water and air purification, and mitigation of climate change. They also provide an opportunity to develop a green economy for increasing the livelihoods of local people. Green economy consists of the efficient use of natural resources, low-carbon economic activities, and social inclusion. This paper aims to formulate a green economy strategy for Flores by evaluating the natural capital assets, which include plants and its associated local wisdom, as a recommendation for government authorities, local community, and other stakeholders. There are at least 6 published ethnobotanical research of Flores, particularly in Ruteng Mountains, Manggarai Barat, and Ngada. These studies uncover the rich local wisdom in utilizing plants. We envisage strategic approach to leverage this potential, which involves on the development of utilization of local plants for textile industry. Together, this analysis is targeted for paving the way to unlock Flores socio-economically important plants to improve the life quality of rural communities and beyond.