Junicoast

Action C.1: On site habitat demarcation (Action in Progress)

Activities performed

• Exchange of data on habitat demarcation from various preparatory actions,
• Onsite discussions on habitat demarcation (field trips to Kedrodasos, 07.07.2010, to Falasarna, 13.07.2010 and to Gavdos 27.09.2010),
• Clarification of technical issues on habitat demarcation (fencing materials, boundaries to be demarcated, etc.) between the The technical study for the habitat demarcation in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, in Srakiniko-Gavdos, in Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, in Lavrakas-Gavdos and in Falasarna has been completed by the FDC.
• Tender specification for habitat demarcation has been published on 26th of November 2011
• Offers have been submitted to the FDC.
• Evaluation of the submitted offers to the FDC has been completed
• The external assistant who will implement this action for the FDC has been selected.
• Onsite implementation of habitat demarcation in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi.
• Onsite implementation of habitat demarcation in Gavdos (Sarakiniko, Agios Ioannis and Lavrakas) and Falasarna
• The technical study for the habitat demarcation on Chrysi Island has been completed by the FDL
• The technical study for the habitat demarcation on Chrysi Island has been submitted to the Decentralized Administration of Crete/Forest Directorate of Crete
• Approval of the technical study for habitat demarcation in Chrysi by the Decentralized Administration of Crete/Forest Directorate of Crete
  
   

Action C.2: Waste removal (Action in Progress)

Activities performed

• Exchange of data on waste removal from various preparatory actions,
• Onsite discussion on waste removal (field trips to Kedrodasos, 07.07.2010, to Falasarna, 13.07.2010 and to Gavdos 27.09.2010), discussions on practical issues on waste removal
• The FDL initiated the waste removal from Chrysi Island on April 2011 (remaining tents and other leftovers by campers were removed).
• Seasonal litter removal by volunteers.

Action C.3: Enhancement of juniper regeneration (Action in Progress)

Activities performed

• Exchange of data on Juniper regeneration from various preparatory actions,
• Collection of genetic material (seeds and cuttings) of Juniperus macrocarpa and seedlings/cuttings propagation
• Seedlings and cuttings of Juniperus macrocarpa were collected from Kedrodasos-Elafonisi (23.02.2011), Gavdos (10-16.03.2011), Chrysi (18.05.2011) and transplanted in the greenhouses of MAICh.
• Onsite technical intervention methods (such as micro-fencing) of Juniperus macrocarpa young juveniles and seedlings were made available through discussions between NKUA and the FDC.
• Juvenile Juniperus macrocarpa individuals were fenced in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi (27-30.06.2011), while micro-fences protecting replanted individuals coming from seedlings or cuttings were established on Chrysi (November 2011) and Gavdos (December 2011).
• Write-up and submission of the interim report on juniper regeneration and enhancement (D-C.3.1), covering the period from 01.03.2010 to 30.06.2011 has been completed (for detailed results see: interim report on juniper regeneration and enhancement, with summary in English).
• Enhancement of the Juniperus populations through planting of new junipers individuals derived from seedlings and cuttings in Kedrodasos (February 2012)
• Fencing of replanted Juniperus macrocarpa plants with micro-fences Kedrodasos (February 2012)
• Installation of information signs regarding the enhancement of juniper regeneration in Kedrodasos (February 2012)
• Preparatory work for the monitoring of the Juniperus macrocarpa juvenile individuals that have been planted in Kedrodasos and Gavdos (March and April 2012)
• Preparation of a presentation on the on-going conservation efforts for the 6th European Botanic Gardens Congress in Chios (April 2012)
• Field visits to Kedrodasos (May 2012, June 2012 and October 2012), to Sarakiniko and Agios Ioannis (May 2012 and September 2012), to Chrysi (June 2012 and November 2012) to check and evaluate the survival of the replanted juvenile Juniperus macrocarpa plants
• Maintenance of the micro-fencing around replanted juvenile plants and placement of artificial shading where needed in Kedrodasos (May 2012, June 2012 and October 2012), in Sarakiniko and Agios Ioannis (May 2012 and September 2012) and in Chrysi (June 2012 and November 2012)
• Fencing of 5 juvenile Juniperus macrocarpa plants with micro-fences at Sarakiniko-Gavdos (May 2012)
  Processing of data collected during the field visit to Gavdos, Chrysi and Kedrodasos regarding the survival of the replanted juvenile Juniperus macrocarpa plants (July 2012)
• Monitoring the development and maintenance of the remaining Juniperus macrocarpa seedlings at MAICh nursery (July 2012, September 2012 and October 2012)
• Evaluation of the plantation features of Juniperus macrocarpa (time, place, means of protection (August 2012)
  Planning of the future plantations of juvenile Juniperus macrocarpa plants growing at the nursery of MAICh, based on the evaluation results (August 2012)
• Field visit to Gavdos to demonstrate the ongoing results of the enhancement of juniper regeneration during the EC delegates’ technical evaluation visit (September 2012)
• Participation in the 3rd Scientific Committee meeting (25-26.10.2012) – demonstration and discussion on the ongoing results regarding juniper regeneration (October 2012)
• Transplanting and fencing in Kedrodasos of the remaining juvenile Juniperus macrocarpa plants from the nursery of MAICh (December 2012)
• Transplanting and fencing in Gavdos (Sarakiniko and Agios Ioannis) of the remaining juvenile Juniperus macrocarpa plants from the nursery of MAICh (December 2012)
   

Action C.4: Restoration of the floristic composition and structure of the target habitat 2250* (Action in Progress)

Activities performed

• Exchange of data on floristic composition and structure from various preparatory actions, collection of genetic material (seeds) of keystone species of habitat 2250* and control of invasive species
• Genetic materials of selected keystone species from all Cretan sites were made available. Onsite technical intervention methods (micro-fencing, shading, etc…) of Juniperus young juveniles and seedlings were made available through discussions between NKUA and the FDC.
• Restoration of floristic structure of habitat 2250* focused on balancing the female/male ratio among the Juniperus macrocarpa subpopulations, where needed
• Micro-fences for Juniperus macrocarpa were established in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi (27-30.06.2011), Chrysi (November 2011) and Gavdos (December 2011).
• Control of the invasion of Pinus brutia into habitat 2250* took place with the removal of juvenile pines within identified pilot zones at Gavdos and Chrysi sites.
• Eradication of invasive species (Carpobrotus edulis) from Chrysi was conducted. Balancing the male/female ratio of Juniperus macrocarpa in both sites of Chrysi was conducted by planting female individuals coming from cuttings previously collected from both sites.
• Write-up and submission of the interim report on protection and enhancement of keystone species (including juniper male/female balancing) (D-C.4.1) covering the period from 01.03.2010 to 30.06.2011 has been completed (for detailed results see: Interim report on protection and enhancement of keystone species, with summary in English).
• Field visit to Kedrodasos to collect Centaurea pumilio and Pancratium maritimum juvenile plants, replanting seedlings and juvenile plants from selected species (Centaurea pumilio, Pancratium maritimum, Triplachne nitens, Nigella stricta), fencing of seedlings and juvenile plants with micro-fences and Installation of information signs regarding the restoration of habitat 2250* (February 2012)
• Monitoring and care of Juniperus macrocarpa cuttings from Chrysi at the NKUA laboratory (March 2012)
• Preparatory work for the monitoring of the Juniperus macrocarpa juvenile female individuals that have been planted in Chrysi (March 2012 and April 2012)
• Preparatory work for the treatments to halt the expansion of Pinus brutia in Chrysi (March 2012) and Gavdos (March 2012 and April 2012)
• Preparation of a presentation on the on-going conservation efforts for the 6th European Botanic Gardens Congress in Chios (April 2012)
• Field visit to Gavdos (Sarakiniko, Agios Ioannis and Lavrakas, May 2012) to halt Pinus brutia expansion (removal of juvenile plants)
• Field visit to Kedrodasos to check the survival of the replanted juvenile plants from keystone species and Maintenance of the micro-fencing around replanted juvenile plants (May 2012)
• Field visit to Chrysi to evaluate the results of the removal of Pinus brutia juvenile plants and alien species and to check and evaluate the survival of the replanted female Juniperus macrocarpa plants (derived from cuttings) (June 2012)
• Field visit to Falasarna to examine the presence of alien species (June 2012)
• Processing of data collected during the field visit to Gavdos, Chrysi and Kedrodasos regarding the survival of the replanted juvenile Juniperus macrocarpa plants and regarding the efficiency of alien and invasive species removal  from Gavdos and Chrysi (July 2012)
• Evaluation of the plantation features of female Juniperus macrocarpa (time, place, means of protection (August 2012)
• Planning of the future plantations of juvenile female Juniperus macrocarpa plants growing at the nursery of MAICh, based on the evaluation results (August 2012)
• Field visit to Gavdos to demonstrate the ongoing results on the floristic restoration of habitat 2250* and to evaluate the results of the removal of Pinus brutia juvenile plants during the EC delegates’ technical evaluation visit (September 2012)
• Monitoring the growth of the remaining Juniperus macrocarpa plants derived from cuttings at MAIChs’ nursery (September 2012 and October 2012)
• Field visit to Kedrodasos to check and evaluate the survival of the transplanted Pancratium maritimum and Centaurea pumilio plants and sowing of Nigella stricta and Triplachne nitens seeds (October 2012 and December)
• Participation in the 3rd Scientific Committee meeting (25-26.10.2012) – demonstration and discussion on the ongoing results regarding the restoration of habitat 2250* (October 2012)
• Field visit to Chrysi and transplantation of female offshoots to sites within the habitat with high concentration of male individuals and eradication of Carpobrotus edulis plants (November 2012)
• Field visit to Elafonisos area to collect Centaurea pumilio and Pancratium maritimum juvenile plants (December 2012)
• Transplantation of collected juvenile plants of Centaurea pumilio and Pancratium maritimum collected from the area of Elafonisos in Kedrodasos (December 2012)
   

Action C.5: Fore dune stabilization through vegetation restoration (Action in Progress)

Activities performed

• State of the art on dune stabilization,
• Exchange of data from various preparatory actions,
• Collection of genetic material (seeds) of keystone species of habitat 2250*
• Field trips to Kedrodasos, 07.07.2010, to Falasarna, 13.07.2010 and to Gavdos 27.09.2010 (MAICh and FDC)
• Field trip to the island of Chrysi on the 31/05/2011 to measure the exact positions (GPS) of posts and fences has been conducted.
• Discussions on technical issues on dune stabilization between partners and the scientific committee have taken place.
• Preparation of the technical study for the dune stabilization through vegetation restoration in Chrysi has been completed by MAICh and will be submitted to the FDL for discussion in order to produce and publish the tender specification by the FDL.
• Discussions on technical issues on dune stabilization between partners and the scientific committee have taken place
• Preparation of the technical study for dune stabilization in Chrysi

Action C.6: Visitor management intervention and infrastructures (Action in Progress)

Activities performed

• Discussions on technical issues on visitor management interventions and infrastructures between partners and the scientific committee
• Field trips to Kedrodasos, 07.07.2010, to Falasarna, 13.07.2010 and to Gavdos 27.09.2010 (MAICh and FDC) and exchange of data from various preparatory actions
• Preparation of the technical study for the visitor management intervention and infrastructures in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi, in Srakiniko-Gavdos, in Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, in Lavrakas-Gavdos and in Falasarna has been completed by the FDC.
• Onsite implementation of visitor management infrastructure in Kedrodasos-Elafonisi (wooden benches).
• Tender specification for the visitor management intervention and infrastructures in Kedrodasos, in Sarakiniko-Gavdos, in Agios Ioannis-Gavdos, in Lavrakas-Gavdos and in Falasarna has been published (January 2012)
  Offers have been submitted to the FDC (January 2012)
• Evaluation of the submitted offers to the FDC have been completed (January 2012)
• External assistant who will implement this action for the FDC have been selected (February 2012)
• Onsite implementation of visitor management infrastructure (wooden benches and directional signs of the European E4 path) in Kedrodasos have been completed (March 2012)
• Installation of rubbish bins, wooden table and wooden benches in Sarakiniko-Gavdos have been completed (June 2012)
• Onsite implementation of visitor management infrastructure (main path delineation) in Gavdos (Sarakiniko, Agios Ioannis and Lavrakas) have been completed (July 2012)
• Preparation of the technical study for the visitor management infrastructure in Chrysi
   

Action C.7: Design and installation of Signs (Action in Progress)

Activities performed

• Finalization of signs standards (design and fabrication guidelines),
• Finalization of signs content and discussions on the assessment of strategic locations of signs in all Cretan sites
• Correction and improvement of the information signs content of all Cretan sites and market research for the printing of the signs
• Discussions on the assessment of strategic locations of signs in all Cretan sites
• Construction of 4 information sign frames for Kedrodasos
• Print out of the content of 4 information signs for Kedrodasos
• Installation of 4 information signs in Kedrodasos have been completed

Action C.8: Ex situ conservation and propagation of keystone species (Action in Progress)

Activities performed

• Seed collection from all Cretan sites of Keystone species and the production and propagation of plant materials (Juniperus macrocarpa, Juniperus phoenicia, Lotus halophilus, Helianthimum stipulatum, Pistacia lentiscus, Pancratium maritimum, Silene colorata, Pseudorlaya pumila, Triplachne nitens, Vulpia fasciculate, Medicago marina, Centaeurea pumilo, Muscari spreinzhoferi, Nigella stricta, Valantia hispida, Prasium majus, Coridothymus capitatus, Ononis hispanica, Silene succelenta, Elytrigia juncea, Limoniastrum monopetalum, Limonium greacum, Salsola kali, Cackile maritime and Asparagus stipularis),
• Collection and germination of seeds of Juniperus macrocarpa from Kedrodasos, Chrysi and Gavdos.
• Collection and propagation of cuttings of Juniperus macrocarpa from Kedrodasos, Chrysi and Gavdos.
• Draft protocols for seed collection, handling and storage of collected keystone species have been produced,
• Draft protocols for seed germination of collected keystone species have been produced,
• A model sand dune including Juniperus macrocarpa, Juniperus phoenicea and other keystone species was established at the botanical garden of MAICh.
• Write-up and submission of the progress report on Ex situ conservation (for detailed results see: Progress report on ex-situ conservation and propagation of keystone species, with summary in English).
• Seed collection from all Cretan sites of Keystone species and the production and propagation of plant materials (Juniperus macrocarpa, Juniperus phoenicia, Lotus halophilus, Silene colorata, Phagnalon graecum, Nigella stricta, Prasium majus, Coridothymus capitatus, Malcolmia flexuosa, Limoniastrum monopetalum, Triplachne nitens, and Zygophyllum album)
• Cleaning, handling and storing of collected seeds
• Germination protocols of Salsola kali, Coridothymus capitatus, Juniperus macrocarpa, Juniperus Phoenicea, Silene succulenta subsp. succulent, Lotus halophilus, Elytrigia juncea and Asparagus stipularis have been developed
  Germination tests of Cutandia maritime, Vulpia fasciculate, Pseudorlaya pumila, Phagnalon graecum (Gavdos), Silene colorata and Limonium graecum (Falasarna) and Malcomia flexuosa (Kedrodasos) have been initiated
  Germination tests of Phagnalon graecum and Silene succelenta from Chrysi have been initiated
• Transplantation of Coridothymus capitatus seedlings
• Monitoring and care of seedlings and cuttings of Juniperus macrocarpa and other keystone species in the rooting beds, greenhouse and nursery of MAICh
• Maintenance of the small garden with sand dunes and characteristic plants species of the 2250* habitat that has been created at the botanical garden of MAICh