Plant Diversity of Medicinal and Melliferous Plants and the Role of Honey Bees in Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Al-Marsas Area, Northeastern Libya

Abstract

This study aims to assess the Plant diversity of medicinal and melliferous plants an٥d examine the role of honey bees in sustaining biodiversity in the Al-Marsas area, northeastern Libya, located on the Mediterranean coast between Wadi Al-Qattara and Wadi Bualhamam. Plant samples were collected during the 2023–2024 growing seasons and identified using Libyan and international floristic references. Additionally, field interviews with local beekeepers and surveys80 were conducted to document the relationship between nectar-producing plants, honey bees, and honey production. A total of 56 plant species belonging to 52 genera and 25 families were recorded, with Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Chenopodiaceae being the most represented families. Medicinal and melliferous plants were the most abundant and formed the basis of the local environmental and economic activities, with 33 medicinal, 20 melliferous, and 20 forage species  Results indicate that local honey production largely depends on seasonal nectar plant, Climate change overgrazing, and low environmental awareness were identified as major threats to both bees and plants. The study concludes that the conservation of honey bees and local plant species is essential for achieving sustainable environmental development in northeastern Libya.