Title: Micrometeorology of the agricultural terraces and stone walls and impacts on biodiversity in the Mediterranean landscape of Greece

Authors: Alexandra Solomou; Nikolaos Proutsos; George Karetsos; Konstantinia Tsagari; Nikolaos Chatzipavlis

Addresses: Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation 'Demeter' (ELGO DIMITRA), Terma Alkmanos, 11528, Athens, Greece ' Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation 'Demeter' (ELGO DIMITRA), Terma Alkmanos, 11528, Athens, Greece ' Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation 'Demeter' (ELGO DIMITRA), Terma Alkmanos, 11528, Athens, Greece ' Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation 'Demeter' (ELGO DIMITRA), Terma Alkmanos, 11528, Athens, Greece ' Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation 'Demeter' (ELGO DIMITRA), Terma Alkmanos, 11528, Athens, Greece

Abstract: Agricultural terraces and stone walls present a characteristic view of the Mediterranean landscape, and are vital in relation to the conservation of biodiversity, ecological functionality and cultural heritage. The aim of the study is to identify the contribution of micrometeorology of the agricultural terraces and stone walls, and impacts on the biodiversity of the Mediterranean landscape. The literature review survey indicates that terraces and stone walls provide various vital goods and services, and are potential and interesting assets for the development of the Greek areas. It is noteworthy that agricultural terraces and stone walls are an important habitat for biodiversity and they are creating multiple microenvironments enhancing its conservation and sustaining the stability of the ecosystem. Consequently, these landscape elements should be preserved as they favour the components of biodiversity, which are the source of our food and medicines, fibres, fuels and industrial products. The utilisation of the biodiversity components contributes substantially to the economy and the development of tourism.

Keywords: terraces; stone walls; climate; micrometeorology; flora; fauna; conservation; landscape; Greece; Mediterranean.

DOI: 10.1504/IJARGE.2022.124638

International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, 2022 Vol.18 No.1/2, pp.3 - 21

Received: 29 Mar 2021
Accepted: 13 May 2021
Published online: 31 Jul 2022 *