Human-environment dynamics in European treeline ecosystems: a synthesis based on the DPSIR framework

Abstract

The state of, and changes to, altitudinal and polar treeline ecosystems and their services in selected mountain regions in Europe were analyzed using the drivers-pressures-stateimpacts-responses (DPSIR) framework. The analysis was based on 45 responses of experts from 19 countries to 2 semi-structured questionnaires on treeline ecosystem services (ESs), stakeholders and the DPSIR factors, and 11 case study descriptions of best management practices. The experts recognized climate and land-use changes as the main drivers, resulting in various pressures that contrasted among the regions. The impacts of the pressures were mainly considered as negative (e.g. loss of biodiversity, root rot diseases, moth and bark beetle outbreaks, wild fires, decrease of (sub)alpine grasslands, browsing), but also as positive (e.g. increase in forested area). The influence of climate warming, altered precipitation regimes, a longer growing season, annual variation in winter climate and increased ground-level ozone concentrations were considered less critical for recent treeline dynamics than land abandonment, increased tourism and livestock pressure. Current policy responses to emerging pressures and stakeholder demands were considered insufficient and incoherent. Mitigation, adaptation and restoration actions were rare and with no evident long-term impact. We conclude that (1) locally-specific human−environment interactions have greater influence on treeline dynamics than global warming; (2) ecological and social sustainability of the treeline areas can be enhanced by simultaneously promoting traditional land use and regulating tourism development; (3) ES users should look for new opportunities arising from environmental change rather than trying to sustain current levels of ESs indefinitely; and (4) to safeguard the unique ecological and social values of treeline areas, more coherent and proactive policies are needed.

The Role of Transhumance on Land Use /Cover Changes in Mountain Vermio, Northern Greece: A GIS Based Approach

“…As the number of animals decreased, the remaining animals covered their requirements in more accessible areas of lower altitude. Kyriazopoulos et al (2017) have reported similar results, especially for the Pindos Mountain treeline ecotones, where Juniperus spp. encroachment has been witnessed in formerly grazed rangelands.…”

“…encroachment has been witnessed in formerly grazed rangelands. In the last decades, there is an upward increase of treelines as anthropogenic activities have been decreased (Ameztegui et al, 2016;Kyriazopoulos et al, 2017).…”

Drivers of treeline shift in different European mountains

“…The impact of climate change and the connected land use change on biodiversity and ecosystem services provision in several European countries is summarized by Wielgolaski et al (2017), and Kyriazopoulos et al (2017) (both this Special), and Sarkki et al (2016). One of the possible adaptive management options in response to climate change, assisted migration as human-assisted movement of species, has been frequently debated in the last few years (SteMarie et al 2011).…”

Dynamic Assessment of Urban Carrying Capacity Load Number Using the Enhanced UCCLN Model

“…The rapid pace of globalization and economic growth has brought urban development to the forefront, necessitating a paradigm shift towards sustainability in urban settlements [1][2][3]. Sustainability in this context encompasses thoughtful consideration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) elements and examines various components of demographic, environmental, social, economic, transportation, and ecologic features of an area [4][5][6], acknowledging their intricate interplay and their far-reaching impact on the urban ecosystem on both short-and long-term horizons. Ultimately, sustainability in urban development aims to create livable and friendly places that are not only habitable but also nurturing for current and future generations.…”