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Preparatory actions

Action A1: Landform and land degradation processes in dune systems (Action completed)

Major findings:

The final identifiers for geomorphological mapping and description were: dune type and height, sandy layer depth, parent material, type and intensity of land forming processes. Based on those criteria 36 units were mapped in all study sites. All profiles conducted with geophysical methods showed variable sand depth and no relation of the presence of Juniperus spp. with freshwater water table. On the contrary its competitors namely pine trees do not grow on deep sandy layer or sandstone substrate. The state of the sand dunes in relation to aeolian erosion is considered satisfactory on average at all study areas. The study area receiving the highest pressure is the East Chrysi site. At this site, high velocity North winds dominate with the highest intensity from all sites. The high number of visitors has a significant impact on these phenomena due to the pressure on the vegetation of the northern part. Trampling inhibits the formation and development of embryonic dunes and diminishes the capacity of vegetation to stabilize the sand thus allowing for a net transport of sand from the north to the south.

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Action A.2: Determining the dune system plant communities’ composition and structure (Action completed)

Major findings:

The total number of species recorded in all sites was 142 belonging to 33 different families. Five plant communities were identified from the analysis of the vegetation plots and 18 plant community types were identified from the analysis of the transect vegetation data. A set of 36 keystone species and 80 indicator species were identified.

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Action A.3: Composition and structure of Juniperus populations (Action completed)

Major findings:

Lavrakas site in Gavdos showed the highest population density (145 individuals/ha) whereas the least dense site is Agios Ioannis in Gavdos with 43 individuals/ha. The sex ratio of all studied populations was very close to 1:1 except those of Chrysi (Chrysi-east and Chrysi-West) where the sex ratio was 1.68 and 1.24 respectively. The total number of juvenile plants in five study sites was under or just above 10% of the total number of adult individuals. The two study sites in Gavdos (Sarakiniko and Lavrakas) hosted a higher number of juvenile plants with regeneration index equal to 1:2.2 and 1:1.6 respectively. All populations showed an average age in the range of 100-200 years. Kedrodasos and Lavrakas populations seem to be the youngest (100-110 years) while in Agios Ioannis the average age is 170-180 years. The oldest tree among those sampled was found to be 300 years old.

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Action A.4: Habitat mapping (Action completed)

Major findings:

Habitat boundaries were identified and habitat maps were produced for all the Cretan sites

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Action A.5: Visitor impact assessment (Action completed)

Major findings:

Results from the social survey showed that the main type of tourism performed by visitors when visiting the 2250* habitats in Crete is nature-based tourism and more specifically, beach-based tourism. In Kedrodasos, almost half of visitors (54%) camp for two or more days and the other half are one-day trippers. In Gavdos the majority of visitors (65%) are staying for 5 or more days. Visitors going to Gavdos on a daily trip accounted only for 2%. In Chrysi, the majority of visitors (67%) are mainly visiting the island on a daily trip and returning to Ierapetra in the afternoon. Only 13% of the visitors to Chrysi are staying for more than 2 days. The comparison between the “used” and “unused” plots showed significant difference in the number of broken branches per juniper tree, the cover of root exposure and the ground vegetation cover. The litter survey showed that the visitor effect on the dune system (hazard introduction and litter import) is important and not only reduces the aesthetic value of the habitat but also increases the risk of fire.

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Action A.6: Stakeholder consultation (Action completed)

Major findings:

Stakeholders’ level of awareness, perceived values, threats and recommendations for the conservation of the habitat in each study area were established.

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Action A.7: Elaboration of long term monitoring protocols and selection of indicators (Action completed)

Major findings:

In total 10 indicators were identified and 5 long term monitoring protocols with their sampling design and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were developed.

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Action A.8: Elaboration of target habitat protection and restoration specifications (Action completed)

Major findings:

The main proposed intervention measures that will take place within the habitat are:

  • Reduce camping sites through a public environmental campaign,
  • Restrict and remove litter from the habitat,
  • Eradicate the invasive species Carpobrotus edulis from Chrysi-East and Lavrakas,
  • mild intervention to reduce the number of Pinus brutia juveniles from within the habitat, restore habitat 2110 and 2250* where necessary by planting sand fixing and keystone species, balance the male/female ration of Juniperus macrocarpa in Chrysi and Agios Ioannis in Gavdos
  • Delineation of paths within the habitat to avoid trampling by visitors.

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Action A.9: Determination of the Governance structure and legal status (Action completed)

Major findings:

The analysis of the governance structure showed a fragmentation of responsibilities and a lack of clarity regarding the form of governance and delegation of responsibilities resulting in confusion and inability to determine accountability. The analysis of the responsibilities of various agencies and services recognized the lack of Management Bodies who should have the authority to ensure the effective management and long-term protection of the areas. The legislation is not considered to be a problem, but rather the lack of its enforcement. Limiting factors for the relevant bodies included: lack of adequate funding, difficult access to the areas, and incomplete information on the necessary measures to be implemented. The Greek legislation does not provide specific provisions to protect the habitat 2250*. The protection of this habitat occurs under general provisions on the environment through legal and administrative acts related to protected goods, which are in direct relation to the habitat (coast, dunes, beach, etc.).

For detailed results of this action see deliverable: