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Case Study: Zagori

This report is the third of the five (5) reports included in the Deliverable-D4 of the Sub-Action C4.2 entitled “Development of pilot assessments and adaptation guidelines for cultural heritage”. Sub-Action C4.2 is part of the Action C4 of the “LIFE-IP AdaptInGR – Boosting the implementation of adaptation policy across Greece” Programme.
The present deliverable report examines the adaptation to climate change of the cultural heritage category of traditional settlements and specifically three of the traditional settlements of Zagori, namely Tsepelovo, Papigo and Dilofo. The case studies were selected following the criteria of geographical location, monumental character, significance, as well as expected vulnerability to climate change. The three traditional settlements are distinguished on the one hand for their high cultural value both as individual settlements and as a complex of settlements and on the other hand for the outstanding natural value of their wider environment. It is noted that the settlements of Zagori are located within the Northern Pindos National Park, the largest terrestrial National Forest in Greece. The main objective of the present study is to estimate the immediate and long-term expected impacts of climate change on the three traditional settlements and outline the guidelines and measures for its adaptation to climate change.

To reach the aforementioned purpose the following procedure is implemented:

• Selected climatic data/indicators, provided by the National Observatory of Athens (NOA), were analysed in order to highlight the main climate changes that may adversely affect the selected sites.
• The characteristics and current situation of the three settlements and their wider environment were identified, which combined with expected climate changes, produced an assessment of the main risks they will are expected to face.
• The sites’ vulnerability to the effects of climate change was estimated following the guidelines set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
• An integrated adaptation strategy, with measures and actions, for the three settlements and their wider environment was developed. The aim is to strengthen the resilience of the settlements by improving or strengthening the existing infrastructure, enhancing the existing legislative framework, improving the timely response to potential threats, informing and raising awareness among the public and professionals, and continuously monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the adaptation strategy plan.