Junicoast

ACTIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF COASTAL DUNES WITH JUNIPERUS SPP. IN CRETE AND THE SOUTH AEGEAN (GREECE)

Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. are classified as priority habitat (code 2250*) by the "Habitats Directive".

They occur on the coasts of Southern and Western Europe. This rare and beautiful habitat features sparse junipers that are prostrate or erect depending on wind action and the adverse conditions typical of sand dunes.

In Greece this habitat is under threat from factors such as restricted natural regeneration, tourism, lack of public awareness, solid waste disposal, fire, wood cutting, grazing and browsing.

In view of this, the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Region of Crete (Forest Directorates of Chania and Lasithi) are implementing the LIFE+ Nature project “Actions for the conservation of coastal dunes with Juniperus spp. in Crete and the South Aegean (Greece)”, known as JUNICOAST.

This is the official website of this four-year project launched in January 2009

COASTAL DUNES WITH JUNIPERS (Project leaflet)

VIEW A SHORT PRESENTATION ON COASTAL DUNES WITH JUNIPERS (YouTube, english version)

Listen the Junicoast radio spot

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Sites

GavdosCoastal dunes with Juniperus spp habitat can be found on the islet of Gavdos. Gavdos located in the middle of the Libyan sea is the southern –most border of Greece and Europe!

Kedrodasos"Kedrodasos" is located southeast of Elafonisi which is designated as a "special natural beauty landscape". Growing on a rocky substrate and covered by thick sand, "kedrodasos" has remained relatively less disturbed so far.

ChrysiOn Chrysi island (also known as Gaidouronisi- donkey island) the only Coastal dune with Juniperus spp habitat in Eastern Crete can be found. Chrysi island lies 8 miles south of Ierapetra and consists of a popular tourist destination, from May to October, famous for its chrystal clear blue waters and white sand dunes.

FalassarnaFalasarna is located on the west coast of Crete. It has been designated as a "special natural beauty landscape". The habitat is critically fragmented on a narrow zone between the coastal dunes and the neighbouring shrublands and includes few Juniper individuals.

South AegeanIn the Region of South Aegean the target habitat exists within designated NATURA 2000 sites on four islands. Those of Milos, Polyaigos, Naxos, and Rodos. JUNICOAST will carry out all public awareness and dissemination of results activities in these areas.