On the occasion of the seventh international "Fascination of Plants Day, FoPD 2024," and as part of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences' (FNAS) activities, Dr. Tanos Hage, Associate Professor at the Department of Sciences at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), organized a series of lectures titled "Plants in Our Life." FoPD 2024 is a global biannual event launched by plant scientists across the world under the umbrella of the European Plant Science Organization (EPSO). Dr. Hage has been the coordinator of the event in Lebanon since 2015. The goal of this event is to get as many people as possible around the world fascinated by plants and enthused about the importance of plant science for agriculture and the sustainable production of nutritious food, as well as for horticulture, forestry, and the production of plant-based non-food products such as paper, timber, chemicals, energy, and pharmaceuticals. The role of plants in environmental conservation is also a key message.
Five presentations under the theme of "Plants in Our Life" were held at NDU. Dr. Pauline Aad, the Chairperson of the Department of Sciences at FNAS, started the lecture series by giving a welcome note. Dr. Hage then introduced the speakers.
On April 8, Dr. Nizar Hani, Manager of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, delivered the first presentation, "Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Wild Plants in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve." Dr. Hani discussed the rich tapestry of traditional knowledge and the utilization of medicinal plants within the Shouf Biosphere Reserve. He offered valuable insights into the intersection of biodiversity, conservation, and cultural heritage.
On April 16, Dr. Maya Nehme, Director of the Lebanese Reforestation Initiative, delivered the second presentation titled "The Magic of Planting Trees: Reforestation Stories from Lebanon." Dr. Nehme shared compelling narratives of reforestation initiatives in Lebanon, highlighting their environmental, social, and economic benefits. She profiled the lush landscapes and impactful conservation efforts in Lebanon and emphasized the profound impact of tree planting and the importance of preserving our planet's green spaces.
Dr. Mustapha Haidar, Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences at the American University of Beirut (AUB), gave the third presentation, "Cultivating Excellence: Optimizing Saffron Production and Management at AUB and Beyond," on April 17. In an enlightening presentation, Dr. Haidar discussed the secrets behind maximizing saffron production, the world's most expensive spice. He covered the various uses of saffron and shared strategies for local production.
Dr. Tanos Hage gave the fourth presentation, "Spices in Our Life," on April 18. Dr. Hage discussed the rich history, cultural significance, and impact of spices on our lives. He explained how spices have shaped cuisines, economies, and societies throughout history. He also profiled the medicinal use of aromatic spices.
Dr. Marc Beyrouthy, Agricultural Engineer, delivered the last presentation, "Edible Wild Plants of Lebanon," on April 24. Dr. Beyrouthy took the audience on a journey through the rich biodiversity of Lebanon’s landscapes. He discussed the diverse array of edible plants native to Lebanon and the traditional uses and culinary practices of wild edible plants in Lebanese cuisine. He emphasized the importance of conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices.
The lecture series on the role of plants in our lives attracted a diverse audience and sparked meaningful discussions on environmental sustainability and the importance of greenery on our planet. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the vital contributions that plants make to our health and well-being.