Within the framework of the GESTES project, a report was prepared on the “State of art of the wild collection of medicinal and aromatic plants in Catalonia” (in Catalan).
In order to understand the current situation of the use of wild species of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP) in Catalonia, a survey was sent during the spring of 2024 to technicians and managers of natural areas, landowners’ associations, territorial heads of the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, etc. The survey reached 62 recipients (Table 1). In parallel, data on incidents, actions and interventions related to the harvesting of wild plants were also requested from the security forces operating in rural Catalonia, such as the Rural Agents, the Mossos d’Esquadra and the Seprona. The aim of the survey was to identify which species and geographical areas were under the greatest harvesting pressure, and whether this harvesting was for domestic or commercial use.
Of all the surveys sent, only 20 responses were collected (32%), and the three law‑enforcement bodies (Seprona, Mossos d’Esquadra and Rural Agents) provided extensive information, in some cases with time series of more than 10 years.
In addition to the previous survey, a questionnaire was also distributed to companies believed to be engaged in wild harvesting. Based on the databases of the CCPAE, the Producers’ Directory, the Eixarcolant Directory and the lists of artisans from natural parks, 110 individuals and/or legal entities were identified, of which 6 stated that they did not carry out wild harvesting and 11 could not be contacted.
Of the remaining 93 companies, 9 people responded to the questionnaire (9.3%). However, it was not possible to contact any company that commercialises mastic (Pistacia lentiscus).
