The medical plant resource and poverty reduction among ethnic communities in the Northern mountainous area

Abstract

In Vietnam there are nearly 4000 types of medicinal plants, which are found mostly in mountainous areas. These medical plants are potentially economically and culturally valuable. They are used by ethnic communities to treat diseases and are sold. The author documents that the appropriate development of medical plant resources needs, beside biological technique, an understanding of the properties of the particular plant. He argues that this process should be related to the community, should take account of community needs and involve local people as well as professionals interested in developing this resource