Best Practices

Terraces as Green Infrastructure on Andros Island
Sector: Agriculture and Livestock - Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Implementation Area: Built-Natural
Duration: 2017-2022
Budget: € 2,694,038.00
Funding Source: EU – LIFE Programme
Type of Practice: Built-Natural
Link: https://lifeterracescape.aegean.gr/en/

The LIFE TERRACESCAPE project aimed at the re-cultivation of agricultural terraces on Andros Island to function as Green Infrastructure, offering multiple benefits for the climate adaptation of insular ecosystems.

Terraces contribute to:

  • Reducing flood risk
  • Retaining soil and reducing erosion
  • Facilitating water infiltration and replenishment of aquifers
  • Improving soil fertility through proper land management
  • Providing shelter and food for wildlife

 

Approximately 100 hectares of terraced land were cultivated using climate-smart agricultural practices, including hedgerow preservation at the boundaries of fields, gentle soil interventions, terrace maintenance, and avoidance of agrochemicals.

Problem Addressed: The re-cultivation of abandoned terraces mitigated climate change impacts (e.g. soil erosion, desertification of agricultural land, biodiversity loss) and supported the climate adaptation of local agriculture and the overall development model of the Aegean islands.
Contact Details: Name: Theodora Petanidou - Institution: University of the Aegean - Email: tpet@aegean.gr
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