Omayma Abidi1,2*, Ameni Smaoui3, Foued Hasnaoui4 and Houcine Selmi4
1Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
2Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Manouba, Tunisia
3Laboratory of Plant Productivity and Environmental Constraints, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
4Laboratory of Sylvo-Pastorales Ressources, Sylvo-Pastoral Institut of Tabarka, University of Jendouba, Tunisia
*Corresponding Author:Omayma Abidi, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar and Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Manouba, Tunisia.
Received: August 06, 2025; Published: August 18, 2025
The Mediterranean basin is increasingly affected by the intensification of wildfires, driven by climate change and land degradation. In this context, native aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) such as Lavandula stoechas and Pistacia lentiscus represent valuable ecological and economic assets. This review aims to assess their chemical composition, biological potential, and relevance as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for wildfire risk mitigation and post-fire ecosystem restoration.
Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Northwestern Tunisia, this paper highlights the richness of their essential oils rich particularly abundant in monoterpenes and phenolic compounds and their proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. These bioactivities, especially well-studied in L. stoechas and P. lentiscus, position both species as promising candidates for therapeutic, cosmetic, and agro-industrial applications.
Ecologically, L. stoechas is characterized by low flammability, high pollinator value, and ground-covering abilities, while P. lentiscus is distinguished by its evergreen foliage, post-fire natural regeneration, and role in stabilizing Mediterranean scrublands. Collectively, they play a significant role in soil conservation, biodiversity maintenance, and the preservation of landscape structure. Their integration into sustainable land-use strategies could strengthen territorial resilience and foster fire-adapted vegetation mosaics.
This review also discusses successful case studies from Tunisia (Tabarka, Cap Bon), where these species are locally harvested, distilled, and embedded in cultural heritage.
Finally, the paper proposes recommendations for integrating L. stoechas and P. lentiscus into regional programs of fire resilience, emphasizing their strategic importance in prevention, community-based reforestation, and the design of multifunctional landscapes adapted to climate-related risks.
Keywords: Bioactive and Ecological Properties; Ecosystem Resilience; Flora and Fona Resilient; Lavandula Stoechas; Mediterranean Native Aromatic Plants; Pistacia Lentiscus
Citation: Omayma Abidi., et al. “Mediterranean Native Aromatic Plants Harnessing Ecosystem Resilience and Wildfire Risk Mitigation: Bioactive and Ecological Properties of Lavandula stoechas and Pistacia lentiscus as a Nature-Based Tool for Flora and Fona Resilient". Acta Scientific Agriculture 9.9 (2025): 24-32.
Copyright: © 2025 Omayma Abidi., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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