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Our narratives emphasize the necessary balance that must prevail in all that we do and tolerate, especially on a small island like ours, an easy-going colonial existence with its own tribal blend. The defense of cultural heritage and combating hazards against insular biodiversity has reached alarming levels. The challenges of global warming and overpopulation encroachments create a menace to natural habitats and sacred lands. This platform actively engages in promoting the value of rediscovering native traditions, which the unique spirit behind being an Aruban is all about, beyond history and identities, highlighting the importance of moving on beyond all opposition.
In this episode we will share a bit about invasive plants and how managing their spread is crucial for protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, mitigating their negative impact on native species and habitats.
Invasive plants can cause significant damage to the environment and out-compete native species for light, water, and soil nutrients, and can overshadow local species, leading to reduced biodiversity. For example, some of them might alter soil chemistry or water availability, causing economic damage, especially in agriculture. They can reduce crop yields by introducing pests and diseases and can also require management efforts, such as herbicide treatments. Their ability to quickly spread and colonize new areas can outpace the ability of native species to adapt to changing climate conditions.
In previous episodes we have referred to the rubber vine as an invasive species in Aruba, which was introduced. Today we want to highlight the important spread of the Neem tree, Azadirachta indica, a tree native to India which has been used in traditional medicine, agriculture, and as a natural pesticide for thousands of years. All parts of the Neem are used for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders. But especially the oil extracted from the fruits.
It is a fast-growing and generally evergreen tree, and in the case of severe drought it can lose its leaves. The outer layers of the wood are light-colored, and the core is reddish. Neem is monoecious, meaning it produces male and female flowers on the same plant. When the tree is four years old, it can bear fruit for the first time. After ten years it can produce about fifty kilos of fruit. The fruit is a drupe similar to an olive, with thin skin, pale yellow flesh and a sweet and sour taste.
Neem can be found on almost all continents. The species is widely planted in areas with tropical and subtropical climates and is known by different names in different countries. Locally, the plant is considered an invasive species.
The use of neem products in medicine has a long tradition in India. Outside India, the plant is widely used to prepare a biological insecticide: azadirachtin. The neem tree attracts worldwide attention for its medicinal and antibiotic properties. It has been the subject of scientific research and, in Occident in the 90s, started a battle for its patent.
The Indian government argued that the patents were unfair and violated the rights of Indian farmers and communities who had long used neem-derived products, and took legal action to challenge them at the international level, arguing that the patent was invalid because neem’s properties were well known prior to the patent application and that the company’s invention was neither novel nor original. India’s position was that the neem patent was a clear case of bio-piracy because knowledge of neem’s medicinal and pesticide properties was part of traditional Indian knowledge. This knowledge had been passed down through generations and had not been patented by the people who had used it for centuries.
If you enjoyed reading our stories and are interested in learning more regarding the true identity, we recommend you to book a visit to Etnia Nativa—the only “living museum of its kind in the Caribbean”—a fascinating choice, a trend setter since 1994 and co-founder of Aruba National Park, Archaeological Museum Aruba and Artisan Foundation among others. Etnia Nativa shares valuable knowledge and connects you to the ancient island’s spirit and soul.
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