The WOCAT tool for mapping land degradation and sustainable land management has been used in the Crete study site. Using the tool, an interdisciplinary team of specialists has recorded observations of land degradation, sustainable land management and recommendations for further prevention or mitigation on a land use base map. 

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Land use: type Land use: intensity trend Degradation: extent Degradation: degree Degradation: rate Land conservation: groups Land conservation: measures Land conservation: effectiveness

Comments

The present vegetation of Crete is typical of the eastern Mediterranean and is adapted to the dry climatic conditions of this region. Olive and vine plantations are the main land use, at present covering a great part of the lowlands and hilly areas, but also parts of the uplands. Over the last 4 decades olive groves have greatly expanded, eliminating the maquis and shrubby vegetation. Today they cover more than 80% of area. Vine plantations greatly declined during 1960s due to the destruction by phylloxera. New plantations, more resistance to phylochera have appeared in the area since then. Greenhouses are mainly located in the lower part of the valley where climatic conditions are more favourable for growing vegetables.

Map version: 4Oct11

Typical landscape for the Crete study site covered by olives, vines and pastures in the upper zones.	New olive plantations subjected to high erosion rates.	Olive plantation under minimum tillage land management practice.