New Insights into Ethnobotany and Ethnoecology

This Reprint compiles thirteen peer-reviewed research papers that collectively explore the dynamic intersections of ethnobotany and ethnoecology in the context of a rapidly changing global environment. The contributions examine how climate change, globalization, and human migration reshape traditional ecological knowledge and influence the use of wild and cultivated plants, as well as non-cultivated edible mushrooms, in various societies. Geographically diverse, the studies span multiple continents—including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas—highlighting a wide range of ecosystems and cultural settings. Thematically, the papers delve into traditional uses of edible and medicinal plants, the shifting roles of local agroecosystems, and the cultural significance of plant biodiversity. Several contributions focus on the resilience of folk knowledge and plant-based practices amid environmental and socio-political transformations, while others examine the integration of introduced species into local traditions due to climate-induced range expansions. Additionally, this Reprint addresses the preservation of biocultural diversity through the documentation of traditional plant varieties and seed systems, contributing to food security and cultural heritage. A number of papers also consider the impact of digital technologies on the transmission and evolution of ethnobotanical knowledge in the modern world. Overall, the collection offers a rich, comparative view of how plants remain central to human life, adaptation, and cultural continuity across diverse geographical and socio-ecological landscapes.