Mahtani Williams, Sarita (2024) Islands within an island: exploring the intersection of ecology, culture, and identity of gardeners on the Greek island of Lesvos. Master thesis.
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Abstract
Gardens and gardening provide a multitude of environmental, sociocultural, and individual benefits. However, home gardens remain the least understood landscapes, especially on islands. With land use change and urbanisation impacting natural and cultural landscapes on small islands, home gardens may hold the potential to mitigate these effects. This study aimed to understand the uses of gardens, and experiences, practices, and motivations of home gardeners using the Greek island of Lesvos as a case study. Drawing on an exploratory approach, twelve qualitative interviews were conducted with urban, suburban, and rural gardeners in and near Mytilene, Lesvos. An ethnobotanical framework guided the interviews, focusing on plant uses and traditions to understand the values and practices of gardeners. Thematic analysis highlighted the multifunctionality of home gardens, reflected by the diversity of cultivated plants. There was also an interconnected role of food production with symbolic, cultural, and place-based values. Gardeners used these spaces for agricultural, ecological, recreational, and spiritual purposes, which mirrored personal and social values. Home gardens resemble islands in their uniqueness, spatiality and sociocultural dynamics. In urban, suburban, and rural areas of Lesvos, home gardeners connect to nature, as well as personal identity through their gardens, which underscores the personal importance of these landscapes.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Degree programme: | Spatial Sciences (Research): Islands and Sustainability (track) |
| Supervisor: | Ballas, D. |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Nov 2024 08:37 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Nov 2024 08:37 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4792 |
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