Analysis of biocultural diversity in the Mediterranean basin: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Biocultural diversity describes the variability of all forms of life, simultaneously encompassing biological, cultural, and linguistic aspects and recognizing how all these are interconnected within socio-ecological systems. Biocultural diversity acknowledges the unique relationship between humans and their natural environment, valuing the local knowledge, beliefs, practices, and cultural values that define it. Biocultural approaches aim to overcome the disciplinary divisions between social and natural sciences to address sustainability challenges in an ever-evolving world. Achieving this requires some clarification of the scientific knowledge surrounding the concept of biocultural diversity. In order to better understand the concept and its associated knowledge in such a bioculturally rich region as the Mediterranean basin, this study conducts a systematic literature review from 1990 to 2021. The results identified the most studied social-ecological systems and components of biocultural diversity. They revealed that a majority of research was conducted in rural ecosystems and agroecosystems, encompassing a wide diversity of landscapes, and focusing on uses of different plant species, and their vernacular names. However, despite an increased attention from the scientific community towards biocultural diversity in the recent years, an in-depth study of socio-ecological dynamics is still needed. This is crucial to advance the conservation of biocultural diversity and encourage opportunities for its application in mitigating rural abandonment.