Exploring the Practice of Traditional Wild Plant Collection in Lebanon

Abstract

The traditional harvesting of wild edible plants among Lebanese rural communities has contributed to the continued use of such plants in local recipes. The country, however, is witnessing rapid changes in lifestyles and eating habits that would seem to predict a decline in traditional forms of wild plant collection. Consequences could include the loss of dietary diversity, reduced food security and natural habitats. This study aimed to assess the perceived status of wild plant collection traditions in Lebanon via semi-structured interviews with key informants. The study revealed that although wild edible plants are no longer harvested to cope with wartime famines and crop failures, the plants are still highly valued as healthy foods, while the harvesting itself is enjoyed as a social activity. Unfortunately, losses in traditional knowledge transmission coupled with changes in land use that limit access to semi-natural areas are threatening the tradition. This is further aggravated by pollution, habitat destruction and over-collection of wild edible plants for commercial purposes. Strategies for the sustainable use of wild edible plant resources should build on this regional tradition and generate appreciation for it as an outdoor activity, as a culinary resource and as means to reinforce social and cultural values.

Keywords:

• biodiversity
• ethnobotany
• Lebanon
• Mediterranean
• wild edible plants
• nature conservation
• traditional knowledge

Notes

1. Little has changed in the past ten years in terms of local knowledge and the use of wild edible plants in Lebanon due to political instability and the stagnant economy. Furthermore, recent field research has shown that there is growing local interest in traditional recipes based on wild edible plants and local knowledge.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maysan Marouf

Maysan Marouf holds a master’s degree in environmental sciences (with a focus on ecosystem management) from the American University of Beirut. After a few years of working in the environmental consulting field, she now focuses on environmental and health education. Ecosystem Management Graduate Program, Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, PO Box 11-0236 ([email protected]).

Malek Batal

Malek Batal is Professor of Public Health Nutrition at the Nutrition Department at the University of Montreal. His research focuses on environmental, social, economic and cultural aspects and determinants of food choices and their relationship to the health of individuals and the ecosystem in several populations, including First Nations in Canada, Francophones living in a situation of linguistic minority and rural Lebanese. Département de nutrition, Faculté de medicine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal (Québec) H3C 3J7 ([email protected]).

Sara Moledor

Sara Moledor recently graduated from the American University of Beirut with a Master’s degree in environmental sciences (with a focus on ecosystem management). She is currently working on a project to promote vermicomposting in Lebanon to support sustainable development.

Salma N. Talhouk

Salma N. Talhouk is Professor of Landscape Horticulture at the American University of Beirut’s Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management. Professor Talhouk is founding Director of AUB’s Nature Conservation Center, former chair of the Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management, and currently Associate Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Her academic activities focus on the conservation and sustainable use of plant biodiversity in Lebanon and the Middle East. She has led several research projects in the field of plant genetic resource assessment in Lebanon and her current research focuses on the promotion of community stewardship of natural resources. Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, PO Box 11-0236 ([email protected]).