Mapping and Communicating Local Ecological Knowledge through Generational Heritage: Foraging Practices in Aabra, Lebanon

Abstract

This research has a twofold objective. It first aims at understanding how indigenous inhabitants of a specific region in the Levant (Middle Eastern Peninsula - Lebanon) deal with, and harvest the benefits of their natural environment, by exploring the wild vegetables (WVs) and wild animals (WAs) collected in the vicinity of the locals’ backyards, nearby plains and forests, and their traditional uses and recipes. Second, the research aims at understanding how is Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) transferred between different generations. By interviewing three different groups of people, the researcher aims at answering the following two questions: what are the types of WVs and WAs found in the geographical area of research their uses, and recipes? What factors influence the intergenerational transmission of LEK? aims at creating a reference herbarium for locally sourced Wild Vegetables and Wild Animals in the region of Abra. Moreover, this research uncovers the factors that could promote nature to the growing generations or alienate them from it. Eventually, the researcher will analyze the results and conclude how a well-communicated and constantly upgraded LEK can help the sustainable development of the region.