Why the ongoing occupation of Ukraine matters to ethnobiology

Abstract

Ethnobiology and ethnomedicine investigate the continuously changing complex and inextricable relations among culture, nature, and health. Since the emergence of modern ethnobiology a few decades ago, its essence and mission have been the study of biocultural diversities and the centers of its inquiries have been and are local communities and their co-evolutionary interrelationships between natural environments and social systems. At the core of ethnobiologists’ work there are not only conceptualizations of and reflections on others' views about nature and the universe, but also a robust commitment to advocacy in defense of these assemblages of local ecological knowledge, practices, and beliefs (LEK). Homogenization processes and therefore erosion of LEK have occurred throughout history in different ways: from colonialism to industrialization, and from financialization to globalization; however, we cannot forget the role played by centripetal states and even dictatorships in this process, nor the associated political ideology of nationalism, which has often elicited and justified policies aimed at standardizing diversities within state borders. Our research groups have been working since eight years together with local communities in Ukrainian rural areas and documented a remarkable erosion of LEK during the Soviet times, yet an extraordinary surviving biocultural diversity occurs; the ongoing military occupation of Ukraine could further threaten this heritage. While citizens’ attention now should be on effectively supporting those who are experiencing hardships during this traumatic time, ethnobiologists will be called hopefully soon to directly participate in rebuilding the biocultural “cobwebs” damaged by the military operations.

Global Media Framing Russian Invasion of Ukraine

“…After the collapse of the Soviet Union, independent multiethnic states faced significant challenges in terms of nation-building and economic transformation. These challenges were exacerbated by complexities related to identity formation, border disputes, and the protection of vulnerable ethnic and linguistic minorities (Stryamets et al, 2022).…”

The Importance of Becoming Tamed: Wild Food Plants as Possible Novel Crops in Selected Food-Insecure Regions

“…This activity is perceived as a way to perpetuate the connectedness to the surrounding landscape. Nevertheless, the current war in Ukraine has resulted in an abrupt change in the people-nature relationship [36]. This mainly disconnects Ukrainians from their landscapes by preventing them from moving freely and by pushing them into a massive forced emigration and internal relocation [36,37].…”

“…Nevertheless, the current war in Ukraine has resulted in an abrupt change in the people-nature relationship [36]. This mainly disconnects Ukrainians from their landscapes by preventing them from moving freely and by pushing them into a massive forced emigration and internal relocation [36,37]. This change is represented by the displacement of local people to safe areas (which are mainly rural areas) and avoiding the movement in open natural spaces in fear of mines and military operations.…”

Multigenerational differences in harvesting and use of wild edible fruits and nuts in the South Caucasus

“…colonialism, industrialisation, globalisation, etc.) (Lulekal et al, 2011; Pawera et al, 2017; Ulian et al, 2020; Sõukand et al, 2021; Aceituno‐Mata et al, 2021; Pieroni et al, 2021; Prūse et al, 2021; Nataliya Stryamets et al, 2022). Aside from an important food source, many edible plants also have other uses, such as fibre, medicines and pest control (Aceituno‐Mata et al, 2021; Ulian et al, 2020).…”

“…A variety of factors contribute towards this decline, including acculturation (e.g. Mattalia et al, 2020; Stryamets et al, 2022), increased reliance on introduced foods and modern medicines (e.g. Mattalia et al, 2021), urbanisation/reduction in time spent in wild areas (e.g.…”