Economic Botany is an interdisciplinary branch of botanical science concerned with plants of direct or indirect value to human society. It examines the utilization, cultivation, management, conservation and economic significance of plants used as food, medicine, fibre, fuel, timber, beverages, oils, gums, resins, dyes, spices and industrial raw materials. In the context of increasing population pressure, climate change, biodiversity loss and resource scarcity, Economic Botany has acquired renewed importance for sustainable development and human welfare. Plant resources provide essential goods and ecosystem services while supporting agriculture, rural livelihoods, traditional healthcare, industries and local economies. This article reviews the role of economically important plants in food and nutritional security, healthcare, livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, climate-change adaptation and the emerging bioeconomy. Particular attention is given to medicinal plants, neglected and underutilized crops, forest products, plant genetic resources, natural fibres and plant-based industrial products. Recent global policy frameworks emphasize that biodiversity conservation and sustainable use are fundamental to sustainable development. The 2025 FAO assessment of plant genetic resources highlights their importance for resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, while the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 emphasizes evidence, safety, sustainability and biodiversity in traditional medicine. The article finds that Economic Botany can contribute significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals by connecting plant biodiversity with food security, health, employment, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic development. However, overexploitation, habitat destruction, climate change, genetic erosion, commercialization without benefit sharing and loss of traditional knowledge remain major challenges. The study recommends integrated conservation, sustainable harvesting, cultivation of medicinal and underutilized plants, value addition, community participation, scientific research, documentation of traditional knowledge and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms. Strengthening Economic Botany education and research can therefore help transform plant diversity into a foundation for sustainable development and improved human welfare.

Keywords: Economic Botany; plant resources; sustainable development; biodiversity; medicinal plants; food security; traditional knowledge; livelihoods; bioeconomy; human welfare