Support biodiversity, healthcare, & local communities! Tooro Environment Stewardship for Sustainable Development (TESSD) is establishing a Herbal Medicine Conservation Center in Fort Portal, Uganda. We need your help to conserve medicinal plants, research their uses, and empower communities.
Tooro Environment Stewardship for Sustainable Development (TESSD) is embarking on an ambitious project to establish a Herbal Medicine Conservation Center in Fort Portal Tourism City, located in Western Uganda.
This center, once established, will become a pivotal institution dedicated to preserving, researching, cultivating, and promoting medicinal herbs native to the region.
Through comprehensive efforts in conservation, research, education, advocacy, cultivation, community engagement, publication, and outreach, TESSD seeks to uphold biodiversity, foster sustainable healthcare practices, and empower local communities, bringing hope for a brighter, healthier future.
Conservation of Medicinal Plants
Conservation lies at the heart of our Herbal Medicine Conservation Center mission. We will identify, document, and protect endangered medicinal plant species through habitat preservation, seed banking, and propagation programs. By establishing botanical gardens and conservation areas, we ensure these valuable resources remain available for future generations.
Research and Documentation
Our center will conduct rigorous scientific research to deepen our understanding of medicinal plants’ properties, uses, and potential applications. We will document traditional knowledge of these herbs, collaborating with local healers and scientists to enrich our database and contribute to global medicinal plant research efforts.
Education and Training
TESSD is committed to knowledge dissemination. Through workshops, seminars, and training programs, we will educate local communities, students, healthcare professionals, and researchers about the importance of medicinal plants. Practical training in cultivation techniques and sustainable harvesting practices will empower individuals to become stewards of their natural environment.
Advocacy and Policy
Advocacy is crucial to effecting lasting change. We will actively engage with local, national, and international policymakers to advocate for policies that support sustainable harvesting, conservation, and ethical trade of medicinal plants. Our goal is to influence legislation and promote practices that safeguard biodiversity and uphold the rights of indigenous communities.
Cultivation and Propagation
Our center will engage in cultivation and propagation initiatives to ensure a sustainable supply of medicinal herbs. We will establish demonstration plots and provide farmers with training and resources to cultivate medicinal plants sustainably. By promoting agroforestry and organic farming practices, we aim to enhance local livelihoods while conserving natural resources.
Community Engagement
Community involvement is not just a part of our approach, it’s the heart of it. We will collaborate closely with local communities, traditional healers, and herbal medicine practitioners to foster mutual respect and understanding. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific practices, we aim to create holistic healthcare solutions that benefit all stakeholders, especially the local community.
Publication and Outreach
Sharing knowledge is critical to our mission. We will publish research findings, educational materials, and informative guides on medicinal plants and their applications. We will raise awareness about the importance of herbal medicine conservation and sustainable practices through media campaigns, exhibitions, and interactive outreach programs.
Listing of Medicinal Plants and Treatment
Our center will maintain a comprehensive database of medicinal plants, detailing their botanical profiles, traditional uses, and potential therapeutic applications. This information will be a valuable resource for researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking evidence-based information on herbal remedies.
Budget Proposal
Below is a tabulated budget proposal for establishing and operating the Herbal Medicine Conservation Center over the initial phase of three years. All figures are in USD.
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
| Personnel Costs | ||||
| Salaries and Benefits | 50,000 | 55,000 | 60,000 | 165,000 |
| Consultants and Trainers | 10,000 | 12,000 | 15,000 | 37,000 |
| Infrastructure | ||||
| Construction and Renovation | 80,000 | 80,000 | ||
| Equipment and Furniture | 20,000 | 10,000 | 30,000 | |
| Program Expenses | ||||
| Research and Documentation | 25,000 | 30,000 | 35,000 | 90,000 |
| Education and Training | 15,000 | 18,000 | 20,000 | 53,000 |
| Advocacy and Policy | 10,000 | 12,000 | 15,000 | 37,000 |
| Cultivation and Propagation | 12,000 | 15,000 | 18,000 | 45,000 |
| Community Engagement | 8,000 | 10,000 | 12,000 | 30,000 |
| Publication and Outreach | 10,000 | 12,000 | 15,000 | 37,000 |
| Miscellaneous | ||||
| Contingency | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 15,000 |
| Total | 225,000 | 189,000 | 220,000 | 634,000 |
Final Comments
Establishing the Herbal Medicine Conservation Center by TESSD represents a significant step towards preserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable healthcare practices, and empowering local communities in Fort Portal Tourism City, Uganda. But our vision extends far beyond these local boundaries.
We aim to create a model institution that inspires global efforts in herbal medicine conservation and contributes to the worldwide health and environmental discourse.
With your support, we can make a lasting impact on environmental stewardship and human well-being, not just in Uganda but worldwide. Join us in this transformative journey towards a healthier and more sustainable future.