Evaluation of production systems in protected areas : Case studies on the Greek " Natura 2000 " network
2009
Hadjigeorgiou, I | Zervas, G
The concept of protected areas has been recently introduced in European political priorities, reflecting the interest of Europeans in conserving basic elements of their homeland. The "Natura 2000" network has been the basic institution in this direction. Greece has some 262 areas designated as "Natura 2000" sites covering 18.2% of the total land area, which has been shaped through a very long history of breeding sheep and goats grazing the indigenous vegetation and some relevant shepherds’ practices ending up to the present land cover. Two areas traditionally hosting large numbers of grazing sheep and goats and currently designated as "Natura 2000" areas, have been selected for proper management case studies, covering the two most important types of sites: (i) inland and mountainous areas; and (ii) island areas. The first one is part of Arcadia which lies in the center of Peloponnese, where three "Natura 2000" sites exist namely: GR2330002, GR2520001 and GR2530004. The second study area is represented by the Ikaria and Fourni island complex (Eastern Aegean Sea) where three "Natura 2000" areas are also designated: GR4120004, GR4120005 and GR4120006. For the purposes of setting grazing management rules in the areas, the production systems applied in those areas were investigated and a combination of National Statistics, CORINE and field data were used to define system dependence on local grazing resources. Subsequently grazing capacities were determined and advised to the local authorities together with management
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