African elephant calf playing with its mother, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

African elephant calf, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Our well-being is deeply connected to the natural world. Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs)—species used in traditional healing, modern medicine, cosmetics and food—play a vital role in daily life across the globe. An estimated 50,000 to 70,000 MAP species are harvested worldwide, with 70–95% of people in many developing countries relying on them for primary health care. Yet many of these plants face growing threats from habitat loss, overharvesting and illegal trade, making sustainable use essential for their future.

The featured image captures an intimate moment between an African elephant calf and its mother in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. African elephants are the largest land mammals on Earth, but their life begins with surprising speed: newborns can stand within 20 minutes, walk within an hour and keep up with the herd after only two days. As they grow, they become ecosystem engineers, dispersing seeds and shaping vegetation in ways that help plant communities—including many medicinal species—thrive. Protecting elephants and their habitats strengthens the complex network that supports wildlife and people alike.