Exercise 10. Ethnobotanical CD-ROMs, databases and software

Name of exercise: Using ethnobotanical CD-ROMs, databases and software

Tools: Access to computers, copies of appropriate CD-ROMs, databases and software.

Time needed: Approximately 3 – 4 hours, depending on the number of programs and resource to be demonstrated.

Description: This exercise serves to familiarize students with the vast amount of ethnobotanical material and analytical tools developed by researchers in diverse institutions. Some CD-ROMs (see the Agroforestree example below) can be demonstrated and used quite completely in a half-day session, whereas other programs (NT-SYS) require an entire short course.

How to do it: Before beginning the exercise, test all computers and the reference materials (CD-ROMs, databases and software) that are to be demonstrated. According to the number of computers, split the participants into groups of two or more people. Present an overview of the diversity of materials that are available, and give summaries of their potential application in ethnobotany. If LCD projection equipment is available, demonstrate the use of selected CD-ROMs, databases and software. Assign a specific exercise to each group that can be accomplished in the allotted time. As an increasing number of databases are available on the Internet, this exercise can complement Exercise 12, Ethnobotany on the Internet.

References:

The multimedia section of the following issues of the People and Plants Handbook provide specific information on various CD-ROMs, databases and software of interest to ethnobotanists. They are available on People and Plants Online as well.

Martin, G.J. and A. Hoare, editors. 1996. Keeping in Touch: Journals, Networks, Newsletters, Organizations and Professional Societies. Issue 1 of Martin, G.J., general editor, People and Plants Handbook: Sources for Applying Ethnobotany to Conservation and Community Development. UNESCO, Paris.

Martin, G.J., D.A. Posey and A. Hoare, editors. 1996. Protecting Rights: Legal and Ethical Implications of Ethnobiology. Issue 2 of Martin, G.J., general editor, People and Plants Handbook: Sources for Applying Ethnobotany to Conservation and Community Development. UNESCO, Paris.

Martin, G.J. and A. Hoare, editors. 1997. Returning Results: Community and Environmental Education. Issue 3 of Martin, G.J., general editor, People and Plants Handbook: Sources for Applying Ethnobotany to Conservation and Community Development. UNESCO, Paris.

Martin, G.J., A.L. Agama and A. Hoare, editors. 1998. Measuring Diversity: Methods of Assessing Biological Resources and Local Knowledge. Issue 4 of Martin, G.J., general editor, People and Plants Handbook: Sources for Applying Ethnobotany to Conservation and Community Development. UNESCO, Paris.

Martin, G.J., A.L. Agama and R.R.B. Leakey, editors. 1999. Cultivating Trees: The Evolution of Agroforestry Systems. Issue 5 of Martin, G.J., general editor, People and Plants Handbook: Sources for Applying Ethnobotany to Conservation and Community Development. UNESCO, Paris.

Martin, G.J., S. Barrow, A.B. Cunningham and P. Shanley, editors. 2000. Managing Resources: Community-based Conservation of Natural Resources. Issue 6 of Martin, G.J., general editor, People and Plants Handbook: Sources for Applying Ethnobotany to Conservation and Community Development. UNESCO, Paris.

Martin, G.J., S. Barrow and P. Eyzaguirre, editors. 2000. Growing Diversity: People and Plant Genetic Resources. Issue 7 of Martin, G.J., general editor, People and Plants Handbook: Sources for Applying Ethnobotany to Conservation and Community Development. UNESCO, Paris.

Example:

Fifth year students of the Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany of Khon Kaen University were provided with copies of the Agroforestree database. After an initial demonstration, they were asked to write a botanical description by compiling information from various sections of the CD-ROM. As stated in People and Plants Handbook Issue 5 "Cultivating Trees: the Evolution of Agroforestry Systems:

"The Agroforestree database, released by ICRAF in 1998, contains detailed species information compiled in a standardized, comparable and easily accessible way on more than 300 agroforestry trees. The database is a species reference and selection guide, containing information on species identity, propagation methods, geographic distribution, uses and pests and diseases. It also incorporates bibliographic references, research contacts, seed suppliers and tree images. The database is designed to help field workers and researchers make rational decisions regarding the choice of candidate species for specific sites and defined purposes. In particular, Agroforestree: (1) enables easy access to a consolidated pool of information on tree species with useful production or service functions; (2) provides a tool that assists with the selection of species for use in agroforestry and related research using factors that are relevant to the chosen agroforestry technologies; and (3) helps researchers assess potential agroforestry trees for uses other than those commonly known, such as timber.

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