Analysis of local community mechanisms about gum extraction from wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) in the Zagros forests (Case study: Chigo forest region of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province)

Indigenous knowledge is the accumulated knowledge, skills, and techniques of a particular community that results from their direct interaction with the environment that should be respected as a source of environmental knowledge. Indigenous knowledge is an important part of the life of local forest communities and plays an important role in their lives. In this research we tried to record the indiginous knoeledge of gum extraction of wild pistachio in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Snowball sampling method was used to collect information. Data were recorded using semi-structured interviews and by writing information, video recording of events, and taking pictures. Information was analyzed by editing documents, integrating, transforming and highlighting information. The results of this study showed that the local people consider the pistachio tree as an economic plant and strongly avoid from cutting and damaging it, and even try to protect and develop it. Gum is the important byproduct of pistachio tree and gum extraction takes place in different stages including tree selection, rifting, put the bowl, double and triple rifting, purification and cooking the gum. Medicinal use of gum is the most common use of this product. Local resident believe to the technical and principled use of pistachio trees.