BRACKEN FERN IN THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF THE POPULATION OF THE ALTAI REPUBLIC

Torushev Erkem Genadyevich

People have been gathering since ancient times in Gornyi Altai. In the 21st century, gathering of wild plants continues to play significant role in the livelihoods of local population. The article discusses one aspect of this activity: harvesting and processing of bracken. By the 2010s, the collection of bracken fern has become so integrated into economic activities of the population of the region that food prepared from this wild plant even became a symbol of Altai cuisine.

Keywords:Altai Republic, bracken fern, taiga, seasonal income, integration.