Capturing and Evaluating the Effects of the Expansive Species Ailanthus altissima on Agro-Ecosystems on the Ionian Islands

Abstract

There is a significant number of agricultural systems with rich and special biodiversity, characterized as high-nature-value farming systems (HNV) in the Ionian Islands region. These agro-ecosystems cover a significant area in this region and are divided in olive groves and vineyards which, in some cases, cover a significant part of the protected areas (Natura 2000 and SPA). There are solid olive groves but also a large number of scattered trees or clusters, as well as vineyards, which are largely identified as high-quality wine producers. Finally, there are smaller but extremely important examples of HNV, such as the Englouvi plateau in Lefkada. In this study, we propose a method to survey the spread of Ailanthus altissima in olive groves and vineyards (HNV areas) with the scope of evaluating the considered agro-ecosystems, based on the importance of ecosystems and ecosystem services they provide, and preparing a management plan for HNV areas.