Problems and development prospects of livestock husbundry in NE Chalkidiki
NE Chalkidiki is a less developed region compared to the rest of the prefecture, despite the fact that it includes important and considerable natural resources with land-use conflict. The development model of the region, is still based on non-intensive use of natural resources, while the new approach for exploiting the mineral resources has raised intense conflicts in local and national level. In this paper the current situation of livestock farming was analysed, while subsequently livestock farming problems and issues of land-use conflicts were examined. The study area focuses on the Municipality of Aristotle, while the aim of this paper was to highlight the opportunities for further development of livestock farming. In order to serve this purpose, separate policy issues that influence breeders ( regulating grazing in forests and forested areas, definition of pasture in terms of the new CAP), as well as issues on the impacts of the mining activity, were examined. Eventually, an economic analysis has been undertaken, with a special focus on the opportunities of livestock farming in the area, such as employment opportunities.
Evaluation and interpretation of landscape along nomadic routes in northern Pindos
The activity of nomads has formed landscapes of particular value in the Greek countryside. Νomads, who are livestock groups associated with the movement of herds in the form of winter pastures from lowlands to highlands and back, were opening passages and corridors, both in forests and grasslands, resulting in the creation of a special mosaic. The characteristics of the nomadic landscape, when individually examined, could be evaluated as insignificant, however, as a whole, they constitute a totality, characterizing a place. This work is an attempt to interpret and evaluate the landscape, and in particular, the route that was followed by the nomads in the past along a trail that passes through the villages Samarina to Trikomo in northern Pindos, in order to highlight the characteristics that emerge from their former activity and the imprint they left nowadays. The evaluation of the trail was conducted in parts and it involved grading that was carried out according to the appearance and significance of certain landscape criteria. Some parts of the trail were evaluated with a high score, due to their special natural and geographical characteristics as well the infrastructure they include, which, in turn, shows the intense activity of the nomads in the fields of livestock, agriculture and even forestry, in order for them to survive.
Databases for registration of apicultural plants
A reliable way to organize, classify and have access to large amounts of data is to use computer techniques such as the design, development and use of databases. A database is a collection of data related to a particular topic or purpose. Due to regional climatic conditions the Greek flora, is rich in plant species very important for apiculture which contribute significantly in the overall biodiversity of the country. These apicultural plants sprout in hills, presenting a sequential distribution in blooming season and categories. The aim of this paper is to present the development of a database of apicultural plants that grow in Greece for which the following features were included in the database: Genus, Species, scientific name, common name, Latin name, family, class, height, wild, flower color, inflorescence, leaves, leaf color, leaf margins, fruit type, fruit color, localities – Regions, Flowering, flowering start, flowering end. The creation of this flexible database with 122 apicultural plants found in Greece facilitates their study and further research.
Non-wood forest products from the understory: The case of the broadleaf deciduous oak forest (Quercus frainetto Ten.) in Taxiarchis-Vrastama Chalkidiki
The sustainable management of forest ecosystems should aim at optimum production of goods and services, while maintaining their equilibrium. The products of the forest can be distinguished into wood and non-wood. As non-wood forest products were defined all products other than wood, derived from forests, shrubs and tree plantations. The main sources of these products are trees, understorey plants, mushrooms, and animals. The purpose of the present study was to record the herbaceous and woody taxa of understorey of an oak forest in Cholomon Chalkidiki and to classify them into the following categories based on their potential use according to the FAO criteria: 1) Edible, 2) Medicinal & Aromatic, 3) Forage, 4) Ornamental, and 5) Dye. A total of 275 herbaceous and woody taxa were recorded. 76% of the taxa recorded in the area under study were classified in one or more of the above categories and their economic value was assessed.
