Format: ORAL

Ani Bajrami1 Anyla Saraci2 Besnik Rexhepi3 Robert Damo4

1 Museum of Natural Sciences "Sabiha Kasimati", University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania 2 Department of Language and Literature, "Fan S. Noli" University, Korce, Albania 3 Department of Biology, University of Tetova, Tetova, Republic of North Macedonia 4 Department of Agronomy, "Fan S. Noli" University, Albania

The science of ethnobiology has been influenced by theories and methods belonging to various scientific disciplines, giving it an interdisciplinary nature. In this article, we will address the main trends and new directions in ethnobiology, focusing on the contribution of evolutionary theories that have altered the conceptual and interpretative framework of ethnobiology today. Additionally, we will outline the main phases of ethnobiology in Albania, with a focus on ethnobotany, from its beginnings to the present day. From here on, in accordance with the theoretical development of contemporary ethnobiology in Europe and the USA, we will attempt to create a local research framework and explore the ways in which ethnobiological studies may develop in the future in Albania.