Mediterranean Island Landscapes

The book focuses on Mediterranean island landscapes and examines their biotic ecological, physical, and environmental characteristics. It also explores the major environmental changes that the islands experienced during the Quaternary period.

Possessing many similarities, yet having their share differences, Mediterranean island landscapes receive complete coverage in this comprehensive volume. The book examines their biotic ecological, physical, and environmental characteristics. It also explores the major environmental changes that the islands experienced during the Quaternary period. Coverage first details the natural and cultural factors that have shaped the island landscapes. It describes the environmental and cultural changes of the Holocene and their effects on biota, as well as on the current human pressures that are now threats to the sustainability of the island communities. It then focuses on the landscapes of the largest islands namely Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Cyprus, Crete, Malta and the Balearics. In ending, the book presents important strategies for action towards sustainability in Mediterranean islands.

Only book dealing with Mediterranean island landscapes Written by Mediterranean islands experts, thus offering first hand knowledge of theory and practice Multidisciplinary effort that encompasses an holistic natural and cultural approach Incorporation of the socio-political components of landscape dynamics Bibliographies to provide general and specialised further reading Up to date information on development, conservation and future prospects Cultural landscape history and changes in the Mediterranean island environments

Inhalt
Nature and Culture in Mediterranean Islands.- to the Mediterranean Island Landscapes.- The TertiaryQuaternary Environmental History of the Mediterranean Basin: The Background to Mediterranean Island Environments.- Holocene History of Mediterranean Island Landscapes.- Island Biogeography and Landscape Ecology.- Cultural Landscapes of Mediterranean Islands.- Political Landscapes of Mediterranean Islands.- Mediterranean Island Landscapes.- Sicily.- Sardinia.- Cyprus.- Corsica.- Crete.- The Balearic Islands.- The Maltese Archipelago.- Future Perspectives.- Landscape Strategies.- Conclusions.