Medicinal plants are globally valuable sources of herbal products, and they are disappearing at a high speed. More than 85% of herbal medicines used in traditional health care systems are derived from medicinal plants and ensure the livelihoods of millions of people, especially in Tanzania.
The increase in human population and the demand for natural medicines have aggravated the loss of medicinal plant species, 100–1000 times the rate of natural extinction. Although this threat has been known for decades, it has resulted to the increase in loss of species and habitat destruction worldwide.
The conservation and Sustainable use of Medicinal Plants Project seeks to initiate support for the conservation of 20 Medicinal Plants for improved livelihoods and conservation frequently used Medicinal Plants for improved livelihoods and biodiversity conservation in Meru district council. The total budget is 7,461,000 Tanzania Shillings or 2,985 USD.