Expertise, certification, monitoring of phytoresources: significance, approaches and modern challenges

Abstract

Modern global challenges associated with climate variability, land degradation, increasing anthropogenic load and threats to food and environmental security of mankind, exacerbate the need for conservation and rational use of natural resources. Of particular importance in this context are phytoresources – a set of all useful plant species of natural and artificial flora, which can be used in the national economy, medicine, pharmacy, cosmetology, food and light industry. With the active growth of demand for natural raw materials, the implementation of a system of expertise, certification and monitoring of phytoresources is becoming more relevant as a necessary condition for their sustainable use and protection. Phytoresources are an integral part of biodiversity, a source of biologically active substances, the basis of traditional and scientific medicine. In Ukraine, according to experts, the potential of medicinal, food, technical, essential oil and other plant species is significantly underestimated, and the rates of their decline due to irrational use exceed the rates of recovery. At the same time, Ukrainian ecosystems, especially the Carpathians, Polissya and the steppe zone, have a powerful resource potential that requires accounting, certification, control and regulation. The article considers the significance and conduct of phytoresources expertise. After all, phytoresources expertise is a complex of studies to determine the qualitative and quantitative composition of plant raw materials, its compliance with regulatory documents, suitability for use, level of safety and biological activity. It can be primary (when introducing new species into the pharmacopoeia, or industrial use), planned (within the framework of forestry, agro-industrial surveys), or special (in conditions of environmental threats, man-made disasters, violations of nature management, etc.). Expertise, certification and monitoring of phytoresources are critically important for ensuring biosafety, environmental protection, supporting traditional medicine and developing a green economy. Ukraine has significant potential, but needs a systemic approach to managing plant resources. This includes legislative support, scientific support, educational base and active public participation. The preservation of phytoresources is not only an ecological, but also a strategic task that should become part of the state policy of sustainable development.