Environmental impacts on the growth of medicinal and aromatic in Al Jebel Akhdar and strategies for their conservation

Abstract

Traditional medicine and the pharmaceutical industry rely heavily on medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), making biodiversity preservation essential. Northeastern Libya, particularly Al Jebel Akhdar, supports many endangered MAP species threatened by climate change, environmental degradation, and unsustainable foraging. This study evaluates environmental factors affecting MAP growth and proposes preservation strategies using field surveys, satellite imagery, and interviews with herbalists and conservation experts. Findings reveal that desertification, climate variability, and soil erosion significantly damage MAP habitats, especially in semi-arid and desert regions, with species decline rates of 40% and 60%, respectively. Unsustainable harvesting contributes to a 30% reduction in some species' populations. The research advocates for a combination of in situ and ex-situ conservation, sustainable farming, and protected area management. It highlights the urgency of developing national policies that engage local communities to safeguard biodiversity, ensure sustainable development, and preserve traditional knowledge under increasing environmental stress.