The Salvia marashica Research and Cultivation Institute is an interdisciplinary center established to protect, propagate, and scientifically evaluate Salvia marashica, a rare and endemic plant species native to the Üngüt neighborhood of Kahramanmaraş. The institute functions as a hub for research, product innovation, sustainable cultivation, and public education, aiming to contribute both to academic knowledge and regional development.
Within the institute, the Product Development Unit focuses on analyzing the plant’s bioactive compounds and exploring their potential uses in fields such as medicine, cosmetics, agriculture, and natural wellness. Through advanced laboratory research, prototype products—including herbal teas, essential oils, natural creams, and bio-pesticides—are developed. Once these prototypes are finalized, the Production Unit undertakes the large-scale, environmentally responsible production of these goods. Cultivation is carried out both in open-air environments and in a single greenhouse, which provides a controlled setting that allows for year-round research and growth of the species under ideal conditions.
The institute’s Educational Unit, comprising only classrooms and a library, plays a central role in knowledge dissemination and public engagement. It is designed not only to support student and researcher activities but also to serve the wider community. Through workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions, local residents are introduced to the ecological importance, cultivation methods, and economic potential of Salvia marashica. This approach fosters environmental awareness and encourages community participation in conservation efforts.
Overall, the Salvia marashica Research and Cultivation Institute represents a holistic and forward-thinking model that bridges scientific inquiry with local culture and sustainability. By integrating research, production, and education under one roof, and by opening its doors to the public, the institute seeks to ensure the long-term preservation and responsible utilization of this unique plant species while enhancing local knowledge and ecological consciousness.
