Natural and cultural heritage interaction: aspects of plant diversity in three East Peloponnesian castles (Greece) and conservation evaluation

Abstract

Conservation of biological and cultural diversity ensures human and environmental well-being. Cultural heritage sites have been recognized as a refuge for important plant species. The Peloponnese in Greece hosts especially diverse cultural heritage sites, and is characterized by high plant diversity and endemism, being one of the Mediterranean Basin’s biodiversity hotspots. However, there is a lack of studies on the vascular flora in important cultural heritage sites, including castles and their surroundings. The aim of this study is the exploration of different aspects of the flora found in culturally important castles located in the Eastern Peloponnese, with emphasis on wall and cliff plants, as well as on ruderal and alien ones. Furthermore, the assessment of the interactions of natural plant communities with cultural elements such as castles’ walls, is vital for the proper management of the heritage sites and for highlighting their natural elements. Our results reveal the rich plant diversity and high degree of endemism of the areas studied. The assessment of the conservation of biodiversity in the sites studied underlines the need for proper management and sustainable use of both the cultural and natural heritage.