Values, Alterations and Degradation of the Natural Landscape 113
cultural wealth that is closely connected with ecological variety and natural
beauty. The historical monuments of various eras, traditional architecture,
manners and customs, traditions and generally all cultural characteristics,
together with the natural elements, compose the notion of an aesthetically significant landscape. This can be either an “everyday” landscape that includes
productive and other human activities or a “ monumental” landscape area.
A Site of Outstanding Natural Beauty (SONB) is a place distinguished
for its aesthetic value and which remains to a significant extent natural,
although it may be built up. Its size is defined by human measures; it generally should not exceed one day’s hiking. SONB often include traditional
settlements and archaeological or historical sites (Table 5.2). The criteria
for the selection and evaluation of SONB are associated with geomorphological and ecological characteristics, such as relief, vegetation and flora,
presence of fauna, water, meteorological conditions, panoramic view, and
cultural characteristics such as the presence of monuments, historical reference, traditional land uses etc. Possibilities for recreation and education,
the presence of pathways, the feeling of getting away or of retreat, generation of emotion, the possibility of understanding natural processes etc. can
also constitute selection criteria. A large part of SONB is threatened by
degradation (Table 5.3) due to intense anthropogenic pressures (Table 5.4).
Table 5.3 SONB Distribution in Relation to the
Conservation Status
Excellent or good status and rapid degradation
4%
Excellent or good status and slow degradation
28%
Excellent or good status and upgrading
5%
Excellent or good status and stability
56%
Bad status and upgrading
0%
Source: Hadjibiros, K. (2007). Ecology. Ecosystems and Environmental Protection, 3rd edition. Symmetria, Athens (in Greek). With
permission.
Table 5.2 Geographical Distribution of SONB in Greece
Peloponnese and Ionian Islands
105
Sterea Hellas
54
Thessaly and Epirus
66
Macedonia
53
Thrace and Aegean Islands
89
Crete
82
Total
449
Source: Hadjibiros, K. (2007). Ecology. Ecosystems and Environmental Protection, 3rd edition. Symmetria, Athens (in Greek).
With permission.
cultural wealth that is closely connected with ecological variety and natural
beauty. The historical monuments of various eras, traditional architecture,
manners and customs, traditions and generally all cultural characteristics,
together with the natural elements, compose the notion of an aesthetically significant landscape. This can be either an “everyday” landscape that includes
productive and other human activities or a “ monumental” landscape area.
A Site of Outstanding Natural Beauty (SONB) is a place distinguished
for its aesthetic value and which remains to a significant extent natural,
although it may be built up. Its size is defined by human measures; it generally should not exceed one day’s hiking. SONB often include traditional
settlements and archaeological or historical sites (Table 5.2). The criteria
for the selection and evaluation of SONB are associated with geomorphological and ecological characteristics, such as relief, vegetation and flora,
presence of fauna, water, meteorological conditions, panoramic view, and
cultural characteristics such as the presence of monuments, historical reference, traditional land uses etc. Possibilities for recreation and education,
the presence of pathways, the feeling of getting away or of retreat, generation of emotion, the possibility of understanding natural processes etc. can
also constitute selection criteria. A large part of SONB is threatened by
degradation (Table 5.3) due to intense anthropogenic pressures (Table 5.4).
Table 5.3 SONB Distribution in Relation to the
Conservation Status
Excellent or good status and rapid degradation
4%
Excellent or good status and slow degradation
28%
Excellent or good status and upgrading
5%
Excellent or good status and stability
56%
Bad status and upgrading
0%
Source: Hadjibiros, K. (2007). Ecology. Ecosystems and Environmental Protection, 3rd edition. Symmetria, Athens (in Greek). With
permission.
Table 5.2 Geographical Distribution of SONB in Greece
Peloponnese and Ionian Islands
105
Sterea Hellas
54
Thessaly and Epirus
66
Macedonia
53
Thrace and Aegean Islands
89
Crete
82
Total
449
Source: Hadjibiros, K. (2007). Ecology. Ecosystems and Environmental Protection, 3rd edition. Symmetria, Athens (in Greek).
With permission.