Leveraging Reed Bed Burnings as Indicators of Wetland Conversion in Modern Greece

Cleo Maria Gaganis, Andreas Y. Troumbis () and Themistoklis Kontos
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Cleo Maria Gaganis: Department of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece
Andreas Y. Troumbis: Department of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece
Themistoklis Kontos: Department of the Environment, University of the Aegean, 81100 Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-24

Abstract: This study explores the historical occurrence of wetland ecosystems in Greece by using recurring Phragmites australis (common reed) burnings as an indicator. Phragmites australis , a plant closely associated with wetlands, provides excellent insights into wetland distribution. We establish a substantial association between reed fires and historical wetland existence in Greece using geographical and statistical analysis, with these fires exhibiting remarkable constancy across time. Using Corine land-cover (CLC) data, we extend our analysis into land-use dynamics, demonstrating that places with the highest reed-bed-fire rates were originally wetlands, particularly those converted into permanent irrigated land and areas with complex agriculture patterns. We find spatial commonalities between reed fires and past wetland existence by analyzing fire occurrence across three main categories: reed fires, agricultural land fires, and grassland fires. Historical records of wetland conversion into agricultural land (or land reclamation works) in locations such as Yianitsa and Kopaida give context to our findings. Visualizations confirm the clustering of reed fires around these converted agricultural regions. In summary, our study offers a unique indicator based on Phragmites australis burnings that can be used to identify previous wetland-type ecosystems, with Mediterranean-wide implications. Despite data constraints, this study adds to the conversation about wetland preservation and sustainable land-use management.

Keywords: wetland; Phragmites australis; land reclamation; land use; fire statistics; burning; Corine data (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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