Ethnobotany

The aim of the course is to provide the basic knowledge on medicinal plants of ethnobotanical interest, with special regard to the Italian territory. The survey methodologies and the use of dedicated indices will be presented, with reference to case-studies.
The addressed topics will be those of the biocultural value of ethnobotany, of the methodological aspects of ethnobotanical research, with particular emphasis to the traditions of the Italian territory. The theme of ethnobotany as a tool to promote the environmental education, as a territorial resource to enhance the touristic value of the territory will be also addressed. The course will also include practical experience.

The participation to the frontal lessons will allow the student to acquire theoretical and basic knowledge for facing up ethnobotanical studies. In detail, the student will be able to:
- to know the ethnobotanical use of the main medicinal species, with particular attention to the Italian territory;
- to know the methodologies of ethnobotanical investigation;
- to understand the value of the plant heritage as a resource for the preservation of biocultural diversity and for the enhancement of the touristic development of the territory.
The verification of the ability to apply the knowledge learned during the course will be carried out by evaluating the results obtained in the practical experience proposed at the end of the course which includes the methodological approach and critical analysis of the data obtained, in relation to the topics specified in the educational objectives.