Sustainability Films Show How Plants Can Help People and Nature

Two new films are sharing good news about sustainability and the safe use of medicinal plants. The films were shown on July 20 during a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The films were made by TRAFFIC and CITES. They tell the stories of local people in Nepal and Mexico. These communities harvest medicinal and aromatic plants in safe and legal ways.

The first film follows the harvest of Jatamansi in Nepal. The second film shows how Candelilla is collected in Mexico. Both stories show that careful harvesting can protect plants while helping families earn money.

The films also explain that local people, scientists and government groups work together to care for these plants. This helps keep the plants growing in the wild for many years.

A new report shared at the event says about 1,600 CITES listed plant species are used as medicinal and aromatic plants. Many of these plants are traded around the world and support the lives of rural communities.

CITES and TRAFFIC hope the films will teach more people about safe plant trade and nature care. A third film is planned for release in November 2026. It will tell the story of Cape aloe in South Africa.

The groups say that protecting plants through legal and responsible harvesting can help both people and nature for future generations.