Media pedagogy in the service of ethnobotany – a bridge between generations

Etnobotanika 6 (2026) (str. 225-248)

AUTOR(I) / AUTHOR(S): Elissaveta Kozhuharova, Ekaterina Kozuharova

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/EtnBot26.225K

SAŽETAK / ABSTRACT:

Traditional knowledge of edible and medicinal plants represents an important element of cultural heritage that contributes to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and community identity. In the Balkan region, ethnobotanical practices related to wild plants remain actively preserved despite the widespread availability of modern healthcare. Local communities continue to rely on herbal remedies and seasonal wild foods due to accessibility, affordability, and the cultural significance of plant-based traditions. At the same time, sustainable diets based on local plant biodiversity are increasingly recognized for their nutritional and ecological benefits, highlighting the relevance of traditional plant knowledge in contemporary discussions on health and sustainability. In the digital era, however, the transmission of this knowledge faces challenges associated with generational change and shifting communication environments. Media pedagogy and media literacy provide a promising framework for addressing this gap by fostering critical engagement with information and supporting intercultural and intergenerational learning. Generation Alpha, the first cohort to grow up fully immersed in digital technologies, interacts with information in fundamentally different ways and requires educational approaches that combine digital media with experiential learning. This paper explores how media pedagogy can facilitate the transfer of ethnobotanical knowledge to younger generations. It proposes practical strategies—such as short digital tasks, social media engagement, and intergenerational interviews—to involve Generation Alpha in cherishing, documenting and preserving traditional plant knowledge.

KLJUČNE REČI / KEYWORDS:

Ethnobotany, Media pedagogy, Media literacy, Generation Alpha, Traditional plant knowledge

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / PROJEKAT:

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