NOTICES AND NEWSLETTERS
Laboratories for Natural Products,
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
October 28, 2006
Dr. Kenneth Keirstead
Co-Convener, ISHS Symposium on African Botanica
541 Charlotte Street
Fredericton
New Brunswick E3B 1M1 CANADA
Re: Symposium on African Botanica.
Dear Dr. Keirstead:
This letter is express my thanks to you and Dr. Malo for convening and hosting the symposium, “Contributions of African Botanica to Humanity” that was held in Conakry, Guinea, earlier this month. It certainly highlighted the abundance of important plant species in Africa. The Symposium, which highlighted plant material of importance in local and world trade, was, in my professional opinion, very effective in enhancing the image of Guinea and Africa. Congratulations on a job well done.
I was especially impressed by the number of African countries participating in the symposium and the support participants generated for future symposiums on African botanicals. By providing the opportunity for researchers, educators, businesses, and students with mutual interests to meet, you promoted a community spirit for common goals and collaborative work. The interaction at the symposium on African botanica proved outstanding at energizing attendees to advance scientific research and market opportunities for native African plant materials. Questions and discussions at the symposium indicated that participants recognized the value of African botanicals in traditional health care and in prospects for modern medicine. Recognition of these values led to participants speaking to the need for conservation of plant species and for traditional healers that use botanicals to meet health care needs in Africa.
As I mentioned to you earlier, the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) was pleased and honored to help support this symposium. The Society has been very interested in working with scientists and businesses in Africa to encourage horticultural research, cultivation, and markets. As a former member of the ISHS Executive Board, I can indicate that the symposium you convened and the resulting Acta Horticulturae on African botanicals will bring considerable international attention to horticulture in Guinea and other counties in Africa.
Thank you for your work in bringing the Symposium on African Botanica to fruition.
Sincerely yours,
Lyle E. Craker
Professor &
Emeritus Chair, MAP Sec. ISHS