Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology, the First Step towards Bioprospecting

Abstract

The Journal of Biodiversity, Bioprospecting and Development is a good context to evaluate from a scientific point of view the importance of biodiversity and its use and effects on social development, including economic development. Humans have always used natural resources because they are part of the environment and inevitably interact with it. Foods, medicines, home all have their origin in nature. In the evolutionary process of human society, the use of natural resources based on direct experience became a use based first on cultural tradition, and later on scientific research and evidence. It is important to understand the role of ‘ethno’ sciences and other social sciences for the development of human societies, as well as the significance of science, which is reflected in scientific publications. The conflict of interests between various parties involved in bioprospecting has already started, and social actors have a relevant role because ethno sciences are involved. We present the problem in this editorial article, in