Core Argument - The conventional botanical archive presents a detached view of nature and marginalizes embodied knowledge, contributing to the exploitation of traditional indigenous people and ecological problems [8][9] - A paradigm shift is occurring in the archival world, challenging the histories of botany and prompting a reevaluation of the purpose and ethical implications of preserving plant knowledge [11] - The industry advocates for a living, dynamic archive that fosters intergenerational and intercultural exchange, adapting traditional knowledge to present-day needs in a horizontal, accessible, and fair manner [11][12] Traditional vs Conventional Knowledge - Traditional plant knowledge is ancestral knowledge passed down through generations, shaped by direct interactions with ecosystems and rooted in kinship and belief systems [6] - Conventional plant knowledge relies heavily on written records and material archives, originating in the Renaissance period and systematizing collections of plants and data [7] - The industry recognizes that the loss of traditional knowledge leads to ecological problems, but conventional science is still often regarded as the only authoritative source [18] Proposed Solution: Living Botanical Archive - The industry is activating a living botanical archive that connects stories and memories about medicinal plants to a physical space, a garden, serving as a transitional space between different environments [13] - This archive aims to represent embodied knowledge by including personal stories and sensorial experiences, promoting ethical sharing, remembering, and collaboration [16] - The industry emphasizes the importance of an ongoing practice, rather than just stacks of documents and data, to represent and conserve plant knowledge, highlighting sustainability and the preservation of kinship [17]