Assessing Historical LULC Changes’ Effect on Ecosystem Services Provisioning and Their Values in a Mediterranean Coastal Lagoon Complex

Anastasia Mirli (), Dionissis Latinopoulos, Georgia Galidaki, Konstantinos Bakeas and Ifigenia Kagalou ()
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Anastasia Mirli: Department of Civil Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
Dionissis Latinopoulos: Department of Civil Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
Georgia Galidaki: Department of Civil Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
Konstantinos Bakeas: Independent Researcher, 2 7th Merarchias Street, 64200 Chrisoupoli, Greece
Ifigenia Kagalou: Department of Civil Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-19

Abstract: Urbanization and land claim trends for agriculture have led to land use/land cover (LULC) changes, acting as driving forces for several natural environment alterations. The ecosystem services (ES) concept links ecosystem degradation with direct adverse effects on human welfare, emphasizing the importance of balancing human activities and ecosystem health. LULC changes and their impacts on ES are crucial for nature conservation and decision-making. To support sustainable management, a historical (75-year) assessment of Nestos Delta lagoons was conducted, using aerial photos and satellite images, providing valuable insights into the drivers and trends of these changes. Until 1960, water-related Biomes were affected the most, in favor of agricultural (Nestos River incubation) and urban ones, but anthropogenic activities development rate reduced after land reclamation. Since their inclusion in the Natura 2000 network and designation as a National Park, they have been protected from rapid development. Over the past two decades, they have increased the economic value of their cultural ES, while deteriorating regulating and having a minimal impact on provisioning services, resulting in a cumulative loss exceeding USD 30 million during the study period. This study strongly indicates the vital importance of legislative protection and the integration of the ES approach in priority habitat management.

Keywords: Nestos Delta lagoons; Greece; photo-interpretation; biomes; Corine LC Codes; Natura 2000 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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