Hidden in the forest: environmental history and ethnobiology of charcoal burning in Central and Eastern Europe since the19th century

Uncovering the details and impacts of different forest uses and their related socio-ecological systems is essential for understanding forest ecosystems. One of these uses is charcoal burning. It was a common type of forest use in Europe from prehistory until the 20th century.

Nowadays it is recognized mainly as part of cultural heritage, although it still functions as a raw material source in the production of additional energy .

Most studies about charcoal production focus on the history and vegetation impact before the 19th century in Western Europe and prioritize the male perspective of this forest use.

The aim of this project is to examine the environmental history and vegetation of active and abandoned charcoal kiln sites, emphasising the role of women and children in this forest use and the traditional ecological knowledge of charcoal burners since the 19th century in Central and Eastern Europe.

The project will apply ecological, ethnobiological and historical data collection methods in three work packages: WP1: Literature review, WP2: Field work, WP3: Archival Research.

The project will provide novel data about non-timber forest uses and highlight the role of women and children and their active role in charcoal burning.

Research into the interaction of so-far neglected groups with nature will support the preservation of the biocultural heritage of European forested landscapes and provide new insights for energy production and landscape management.

To achieve these goals, I will use the facilities of the host institute (HI), the Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the Secondment place, the University of Turin. The expertise of my supervisor at the host institute, Dr. Pter Szab, and mentor of the SP, Dr.

Giacomo Bonan, in interdisciplinary research of forest history will provide me with an excellent background that will broaden my horizons and contribute to my further development in academia.