Extended Abstract

1. Introduction

Ethnobotany, as a key branch of indigenous knowledge, plays a critical role in conserving medicinal plant resources and supporting sustainable environmental management. The Torghabeh-Shandiz region in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran, represents a significant reservoir of such biocultural heritage, characterized by high biodiversity and unique ecological conditions. This region has fostered a deep, symbiotic relationship between its diverse ethnic communities (primarily Persians and Turks) and their natural environment, leading to a rich and sophisticated body of traditional knowledge concerning medicinal plants. Nevertheless, this invaluable heritage is confronting unprecedented dual threats. This area in Razavi Khorasan Province, with its high biodiversity and unique ecological conditions, is regarded as one of the important hubs for medicinal plants. Covering approximately 11,000 square kilometers with an altitude ranging from 1,033 to 3,138 meters above sea level, the region features a semi-arid to cold arid climate with an average annual rainfall of about 250 mm. Nevertheless, the erosion of traditional knowledge combined with threats such as climate change, consecutive droughts, and overexploitation has underscored the urgent need for documentation and conservation of these valuable resources. This study was designed to systematically document indigenous knowledge, quantitatively analyze threats from various stakeholders' perspectives, and propose localized, practical conservation strategies for this vulnerable ecosystem.

2. Materials and Methods

This applied research employed a descriptive-survey methodology for data collection. The study population consisted of three key stakeholder groups: i) local medicinal plant vendors, ii) farmers cultivating medicinal plants, and iii) harvesters from natural habitats, who were selected through purposive sampling. The sample size was determined based on Cochran's formula, with approximately 385 participants from the harvester group. A complete census was applied for local vendors (11 vendors), and purposive non-probability sampling was utilized for farmers. Data were collected through direct interviews and repeated field visits between 2021 and 2024. The research instrument was a questionnaire comprising three main sections: demographic information, ethnobotanical characteristics, and threats to medicinal plants. The questionnaire's validity was confirmed through face validity assessment by eight university faculty members. Data were analyzed via descriptive-analytical statistical methods (frequency, percentage, mean).

3. Results and Discussion

A total of 81 medicinal plant species belonging to various families were identified, with the highest diversity found among local vendors (39 species) and harvesters from natural habitats (30 species). Demographic characteristics indicated that 65.76% of respondents were female and 34.24% were male, with the largest age group (57.48%) being 40-60 years old. On average, 64.73% of the plants used had medicinal applications, with variations among different groups: natural habitat harvesters (73.80%), farmers (53.7%), and local vendors (66.7%). The most common therapeutic uses were for digestive (24.36%), nervous (11.99%), and infectious (11.12%) diseases. Dominant species varied among groups; lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and mint (Mentha spp.) were prevalent among vendors and harvesters, while bitter almond (Amygdalus communis) and saffron (Crocus sativus) dominated among farmers. The principal threats identified included drought (52.27% for farmers) and overharvesting (29.68% for harvesters). Soil fertility decline (36.36%) and livestock grazing (25.07%) were also significant threats. These findings highlight the richness of indigenous knowledge as well as biodiversity in the region and confirm the necessity for participatory conservation programs. Comparison with similar studies in other regions of Iran and worldwide indicates that the species diversity identified in this study is comparable to that found in similar ecological zones.

4. Conclusions

The findings suggest that while indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants in Torghabeh Shandiz is rich and effective, it faces multidimensional threats (natural, anthropogenic, and cultural). The identification of a generational gap in knowledge transmission (limited participation of youth under 20 years old) represents a major concern. Proposed strategies include: 1) Developing participatory conservation programs centered on local communities, 2) Digital and multimedia documentation of indigenous knowledge to address generational gaps, 3) Promoting sustainable cultivation and domestication of high-demand and economically valuable species such as Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Mentha spp., and Crocus sativus L., 4) Developing plant-based ecotourism as a complementary and alternative livelihood, and 5) Implementing intergenerational educational programs utilizing local schools and media capacities. This integrated framework not only takes effective steps toward preserving biodiversity as well as intangible cultural heritage of the region but can also serve as a localized model for other regions confronting similar challenges.

5. Acknowledgment & Funding

This work was supported by Shahid Beheshti University. The authors highly appreciate all participants in this research who made this study possible by sharing their valuable knowledge.

6. Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.