Dr. F. Merlin Franco of the Institute of Asian Studies at Universiti Brunei Darussalam discussed his research on the role that open-air markets can play in combating plant blindness on the Royal Television Brunei evening news.

In his discussion, Dr. Franco reiterates points that he has made in a recently published co-authored article on the biocultural importance of Tamu Kianggeh, an open-air market in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.

Entitled “Socialising over Fruits and Vegetables: The Biocultural Importance of an Open-Air Market in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam” and published in the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, the article investigates ways in which Tamu Kianggeh serves as a meeting ground for ethnic and biological diversities, and in the process, reduces the phenomenon of plant blindness.

Franco, F.M., Chaw, L.L., Bakar, N., Abas, S.N.H. Socialising over fruits and vegetables: the biocultural importance of an open-air market in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 16, 6 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-020-0356-6