Existing uses of forest resources
In Crete forests are mainly publicly owned, controlled by the Ministry of Rural Development and Foods, Department of Forest and Natural Environment. Management of pine forests is subject to legislation for environmental protection. This legislation on environmental protection appeared for the first time in the Greek Constitution in 1975 and in it the term "environment" is clearly defined and the responsibility for the protection of the natural environment is undertaken by the Greek nation. Regulation 24/1975 clearly defines the responsibility of the Greek nation for protection of natural resources. Regulation 117/1975 defines the obligation for reforestation of all the public and private pine forests which have burned. In addition, other legislation has been established in harmonization with the European Union policies.
The existing pine, cypress, and oak forests are mainly used as natural areas for recreation, hunting, and extensive grazing. Any type of management is strictly controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture. Pine forests are subject periodically to extensive forest fires during the dry period creating severe problems of soil erosion and flooding in the lowlands. Soil erosion in burned areas becomes a severe problem of land degradation and desertification. Hilly or mountainous areas under forests usually have shallow soils and any soil loss significantly reduces land productivity, and growth of pine trees is limited leading to desertification. The following areas are considered as National parks or protected by NATURA 2000 according to the regulation 92/43/EU:
Table 3: Natural areas characterised as National Parks or protected by NATURA 2000
