DR5 Xiromero, Aetoloakarnania (Greece)
Current status
The study area is the valonia oak (Quercus ithaburensis subs. macrolepis) forest of Xiromero in west Greece. The core area of the forest stretches in a line of hills to the west and south of Lake Ozeros, up to the village of Astakos which is the capital of the Xiromero municipality, covering an area of more than 4400 ha whereas the partially forested area amounts to 3300 ha. Grazing is applied by sheep and goat at a stocking rate of approximately 5.5 ha.
The forest provides several ES (ecosystem services) ranging from provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural. It is the last greatest valonia oak forest in the Balkan peninsula. In the area there are two extremes: lack of grazing leads to flammable biomass buildup whereas overgrazing leads to soil physical properties’ deterioration. This DR includes a single PD.
Leader:
AUA
Regional authority:
Hellenic Forest Service and Municipality of Xiromero
Key stakeholders to engage:
Local stakeholders including:
- Farmers, livestock breeders, local prefecture, local Forest Service, local municipality, local associations
No innovation or any other type of preservation is taking place besides our work. Most locals are unwilling to protect the forest and prefer to convert it to olive groves.
Actions to be implemented:
- 100% forest fire risk reduction
- 100% biodiversity preservation
- 2000 stakeholders at least involved and be informed of the project
- At least adoptability of measures proposed by all European and world countries having oak silvopastoral systems
Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
The KPI for the impact of project results include:
- Reduction of forest fire risk factors & public awareness raising about the risks
- Recommendations for forest management policies and measures
- Production of recommendations- tools for forest protection, management and modelling
- Sustainable forest management strategies
- Forest fires fast detection, reliable spread monitoring, and quick & efficient response by using innovative technologies
- Increase readiness of these ecosystems on climate change
Videos
Videos related to DR5 Xiromero region will be displayed here.
Gallery
Latest News
DRYAD Featured in the EU Mission “Adaptation to Climate Change” Projects Catalogue
We are proud to announce that the DRYAD project has been included in the official EU Mission "Adaptation to Climate Change” Projects Catalogue. This catalogue showcases pioneering projects across Europe that are working to build more climate-resilient regions and...
DRYAD launches a survey for farmers and stakeholders to select the best nature-based solutions for Mediterranean agroecosystems
Santiago de Compostela Tuesday 22 April 2025. The DRYAD project is inviting farmers and stakeholders to participate in a newly launched survey aimed at selecting the most effective nature-based solutions (NbS) for Mediterranean ecosystems. The survey is available...
Javier Samper introduced the DRYAD Project at CICA’s seminar
On April 3rd, Javier Samper, DRYAD Project Coordinator, had the opportunity to present the project at a seminar hosted by CICA (Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology.) at the University of A Coruña (UDC). The seminar, titled "Demonstrating Nature-Based...
DRYAD will promote sustainable and climate-resilient practices and facilitate regional adaptation plans at 8 Mediterranean regions
DRYAD: Demonstration and modelling of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) to enhance the resilience of Mediterranean agro-silvo-pastoral ecosystems and landscapes) is a four-year transdisciplinary research project. The project aims to promote sustainable and...