Christian tradition and range landscape ecology

Fasting constitutes one of the longest established customs in human history, while it is considered to be an important element among most religions, as a sign of grief or preparation of great feasts. As a religious and sacred institution, fasting aims at soul purification and body health as well. Since medicine was under the authority of religion, fasting was often designated by priests as a preventive and therapeutic mean. Orthodox Christian Church established and adjusted the practice of fasting taking also under consideration the function of nature throughout the year. The
main purpose of this action was the protection of natural resources. By regulating the number of the animals, reproduction period, etc. according to traditions and forage sufficiency, stockbreeders were the first to obtain a complete approach of rangeland management, stockbreeding and preservation of the natural environment. Interdependence among Christian tradition-feasts-naturefunction of stockbreeders (reduction of animal number) within the annual circle, a dynamic environmental balance had been created. Lately though due to estrangement of traditions and demographic changes, especially in the mountainous areas, this balanced relationship has been disturbed with unfavorable results in Greek landscapes. The preservation and protection of natural and cultural elements of landscapes and Christian traditions as well compose the safety valve for a sustainable development and production with a simultaneous ecological balance.