Download “… microtaxa and even populations associated by ecological and

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“… microtaxa and even populations associated by
ecological and geographical locations have gain a new
meaning and identity with the result that biodiversity
been define to cover species, genes and ecosystems, has
become foundation for ‘new taxonomy’. In this process,
the genuineness and authenticity of taxa at micro-levels
have become vital in product development and bioimprovement. It is in this context that applied taxonomy
has gained attention from those concerned in quality
control operations and resources management”
Nair, 2004
What if a species is mis –
identified and a
“comprehensive” study of
the same is done, months or
years later it is discovered
that the species studied was
actually wrongly identified?
What if the error is not
discovered?
Taxonomy in New
Products Development
Staline Kibet
National Museums of Kenya (NMK)
[email protected]
Introduction
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What is taxonomy (systematics)?
Taxonomy is the science of naming organisms
and classifying them in groups of similar
organisms
Taxonomy and systematics are about
communication and information
Why is taxonomy important?
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Help in accurate identification of organisms
Help in designing conservation strategies
Help in focusing research needs at genetic,
species and event ecosystem level
Useful in bioprospecting
Useful in quality control
Useful in product development
How is taxonomical information
generated?
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Specimen collection
Identification Keys (FTEA)
Morphological characterization
Molecular analysis (DNA sequencing)
Where to find taxonomical
information
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Research institutions (e.g. NMK, KARI,
KEFRI etc)
Academic institutions (Universities)
Online resources (ePIC, IPNI, ECOPORT,
ALUKA etc)
Folk classification
Other organisations (e.g. ICRAF, ICIPE etc)
Folk classification
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Meet the needs of the local communities.
External markets beyond community borders may need
extra taxonomical classification
Common to have one species with 2 – 4 names or vice
versa; 4 species sharing one name.
Common to find names with qualifiers added such as
Muhamva muche or Muhamva mulume (i.e. Muhamva
female and male) for species commonly belonging to
same genus some times different.
Other characteristics as colour, taste, size, where found
are used in folk classification.
And again it serve them well.
Taxonomy in development of new
products
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Foremost – accurate identification of species
paramount
Know conservation status and distribution
Knowledge on propagation and domestication
Other information (phytochemical, toxicity,
cultural values etc)
Examples
Taxonomy in quality control
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All products destine for regulated market must
meet certain basic requirements (e.g. labeling,
expiry date, ingredients, etc)
Side effects and other warnings
Health, safety and quality assurance is
important in promoting natural products in
formal markets.
Taxonomy in quality control
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All products destine for regulated market must
meet certain basic requirements (e.g. labeling,
expiry date, ingredients, etc)
Side effects and other warnings
Health, safety and quality assurance is
important in promoting natural products in
formal markets.
Quality control contd
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Same mortar and pestle used to pound
different species
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Genus Solanum (Has both edible and toxic
species)
Taxonomy in policy formulation
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Access to Benefit sharing (ABS) as stipulated
by CBD articles
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Market regulations (KEBS,WTO, etc)
Products certification (in TM cocktail is
common)
Information on public domain (Prunus
africana; Moringa oleifera)
Examples
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“Restrictive medicines control regulations,
regionally and internationally have prevented
many indigenous species from South Africa
entering the formal market for herbal
remedies… As a result several producers have
opted to target the less regulated market…”
Mander and Le Breton, 2005
Taxonomy in conservation
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IUCN Red Listing of species
CITES (Trade ban on certain species)
Presidential decree (Osyris lanceolata - sandal
wood)
Implementation of CBD articles 6-8 and 10
and particularly article 7(a) –identify
components of biological diversity important
for its conservation and sustainable use
Challenges
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Taxonomy under funded
Suspicion of THP on researchers
Taxonomists are few and more often than not
operates as lone rangers
Infrastructure in some institutions not up to date
The products and the markets dysfunctional?
Taxonomy or taxonomists at times get confused.
Splitting and merging of genus/families happens
once in a while. Acacia spp for example
Conclusion
Taxonomy is about communication and
information, therefore;
n Lets communicate and share
information for successful development
of quality, high premium products that
will make a change in people’s
livelihood and maintain healthy
ecosystems.
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