A new research, looking into the healing properties of Australian plants based on Indigenous lore, might provide the First Australians with new opportunities, but it might also be an unexplored industry for Australia.
Dr Greg Leach works for the Menzies School of Health Research, one of the four organisations participating in the project. According to him, the research aims to understand how indigenous medicines work and prove their effectiveness to the world.
According to Dr Leach, this project could also open up new export opportunities for Australia as well. Especially in Asia.
«We think there's a big export potential with this. Particularly, up through Asia -- in Hong Kong, South Korea and Malaysia and so on -- there's a huge demand for more traditionally based complementary medicines. And so our industry partners believe this is actually a significant export opportunity for Australia as well».
The research is looking for plants using stories from the First Australians as a guide. One of them is the Kakadu plum. Growing in Northern Australia, the Kakadu Plum has been harvested for thousands of years by indigenous communities. The inside of its bark can cure infections and skin disorders, while the fruit itself is full of antioxidants and has the highest concentration of vitamin C in the world.
Currently the number of indigenous communities participating in the program is two. One in Darwin and another in Dally River in Queensland. A third one in Tiwi Islands might be participating as well. The stakeholders hope is that the project will lead to more indigenous jobs, education and that it will help bring growth to their communities.
