Articles
Conservation and valorization of Mediterranean neglected and underutilized species: the role of the Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia in promoting sustainable agro-ecosystems
Article number
1460_22
Pages
183 – 190
Language
English
Abstract
Desertification and increasing water scarcity pose significant threats to agricultural sustainability in the Mediterranean Basin.
In response, the cultivation of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) is emerging as a promising nature-based solution for restoring degraded lands and developing resilient agro-ecosystems.
This research highlights the environmental and economic potential of selected NUS – such as Opuntia ficus-indica and Rosa canina – to improve soil quality, support biodiversity, and offer valuable products for local economies.
Drawing from the experience of the Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia, a centre dedicated to Mediterranean plant conservation and education, the dual role of Rosa canina in ecosystem restoration and public awareness is underscored.
With nutrient-rich fruits and important ecological functions, this species exemplifies how biodiversity conservation can be aligned with sustainable land use practices.
Following this first good practice, pilot-scale demonstration sites established in two Greek islands facing water scarcity, in Chios (Crithmum maritimum) and Crete (Opuntia ficus-indica), showcased adaptive cultivation practices.
These efforts are supported by water use monitoring technologies to optimize irrigation and promote efficient water resource management.
A core component of the initiative is environmental education, and the implementation of train-the-trainer programs aimed at empowering local communities.
Following a multidisciplinary framework recently applied to other Greek NUS (Karapatzak et al., 2023), our study integrates propagation, pilot cultivation and phytochemical evaluation.
Quantitative data from Rosa canina, Crithmum maritimum and Opuntia ficus-indica demonstrate significant genotype × fertilization interactions, high antioxidant capacity, and promising yields under organic management.
These results confirm the potential of native NUS for sustainable Mediterranean agro ecosystems.
Ultimately, the goal seeks to foster a culture of stewardship – one in which biodiversity is not only preserved but actively leveraged to support long-term environmental resilience and socio-economic development in Mediterranean rural landscapes.
In response, the cultivation of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) is emerging as a promising nature-based solution for restoring degraded lands and developing resilient agro-ecosystems.
This research highlights the environmental and economic potential of selected NUS – such as Opuntia ficus-indica and Rosa canina – to improve soil quality, support biodiversity, and offer valuable products for local economies.
Drawing from the experience of the Balkan Botanic Garden of Kroussia, a centre dedicated to Mediterranean plant conservation and education, the dual role of Rosa canina in ecosystem restoration and public awareness is underscored.
With nutrient-rich fruits and important ecological functions, this species exemplifies how biodiversity conservation can be aligned with sustainable land use practices.
Following this first good practice, pilot-scale demonstration sites established in two Greek islands facing water scarcity, in Chios (Crithmum maritimum) and Crete (Opuntia ficus-indica), showcased adaptive cultivation practices.
These efforts are supported by water use monitoring technologies to optimize irrigation and promote efficient water resource management.
A core component of the initiative is environmental education, and the implementation of train-the-trainer programs aimed at empowering local communities.
Following a multidisciplinary framework recently applied to other Greek NUS (Karapatzak et al., 2023), our study integrates propagation, pilot cultivation and phytochemical evaluation.
Quantitative data from Rosa canina, Crithmum maritimum and Opuntia ficus-indica demonstrate significant genotype × fertilization interactions, high antioxidant capacity, and promising yields under organic management.
These results confirm the potential of native NUS for sustainable Mediterranean agro ecosystems.
Ultimately, the goal seeks to foster a culture of stewardship – one in which biodiversity is not only preserved but actively leveraged to support long-term environmental resilience and socio-economic development in Mediterranean rural landscapes.
Authors
E. Maloupa, K. Grigoriadou, K. Papanastasi, A. Oikonomou, V. Aschonitis
Keywords
NUS, biodiversity, sustainable development, pilot fields, environmental education
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