Bioprospecting for promising native plant species from Mampuján, Colombia: Application of the circular economy for the benefit of farmers

This project aims to explore the biotechnological potential of native plant species from Mampuján, Bolívar (Colombia), a historically marginalized territory affected by armed conflict and displacement. Leveraging local biodiversity and ancestral knowledge, the initiative combines ethnobotanical surveys, STEM education, and 4.0 technologies to promote circular bioeconomy and social restoration. Approximately 100 promising plants will be identified through community knowledge and remote sensing via drone-assisted diagnosis. A subset will undergo taxonomic validation and extraction of essential oils or hydroethanolic extracts for chemical characterization and antimicrobial testing.

The antimicrobial activity of extracts will be evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Moniliophthora roreri, and Fusarium spp., using Kirby–Bauer and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration methods. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) will determine chemical profiles and extraction efficiency. The results will inform the creation of a publicly accessible repository on promising species with potential pharmacological and agroindustrial applications. Moreover, the project prioritizes the empowerment of girls and adolescents (NNA) by integrating ancestral knowledge into scientific education, fostering social justice and environmental stewardship.

This work aligns with national science missions including “Science for Peace” and “Bioeconomy and Territory,” and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 5, 8, 15). By facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity-building in circular economy practices, the project seeks to reduce economic disparity, strengthen local agroindustry, and provide tools for sustainable regional development. Ultimately, it positions bioprospecting as a path for socio-ecological resilience and health-oriented innovation within post-conflict communities.