MEDICINAL PLANTS AS TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE IN SAO TOME AND PRÍNCIPE

Traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants has a fundamental role in a given society, considering that, in addition to improving the health of the population, it exerts great influence on the intellectual, social and economic development of a given community or country. In this sense the purpose of this study was to investigate the development of the appropriate way of protecting traditional knowledge in Sao Tomé and Príncipe a country which lacks the legal protection of traditional knowledge. The main objective of the study was to assess framework that is in place and ultimately suggest the best mode to protect medicinal traditional knowledge in the country. Employing a mixed method approach, studies were consulted, the analyses of the national laws of different countries as well as the regional and international treaties were studied. Interviews were conducted with related public sector representatives and some traditional therapists in order to know about the challenges that traditional therapists have been facing over time. On the other hand, information was collected through face to face interviews and questionnaires – all in order to determine the best way to protect.