Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca

The existence of the Ethnobotanical Garden is a victory for community activism and cultural preservation. In the early 1990s, the space behind the former Convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán was slated to become a parking lot. Local artist Francisco Toledo, along with the group PRO OAX, fought to protect this historic site. Their successful campaign transformed a potential urban concrete slab into a sanctuary for indigenous botanical knowledge. This act of defiance preserved not only the land but also the living heritage of Oaxaca. The garden serves as a bridge between the past and the present, reflecting the ancestral knowledge of Zapotec and Mixtec communities. Every section of the garden highlights plants that have supported human life in the region for centuries. From the cochineal dye that historically funded the neighbouring monastery to the various types of agave essential for mezcal production, the collection is deeply rooted in local history. It is a place where ecology meets anthropology. Today, the garden stands as a testament to the idea that land use should reflect local values and heritage. By focusing on ethnobotany, the garden ensures that traditional knowledge remains alive and accessible. Visitors can see the diversity of plants used for everything from traditional drinks to complex medicinal rituals. It is a living library, an outdoor laboratory, and a peaceful monument to the creative spirit of the people of Oaxaca.