Coastal dunes are unique transition zones between land and sea, supporting specialized flora and fauna adapted to harsh environmental conditions. These ecosystems exhibit a distinct plant community zonation, creating a mosaic of habitats that contributes to their remarkable biodiversity. Despite their high conservation value, Mediterranean coastal dunes have undergone significant alterations, ranking among the most threatened ecosystems in Europe. Given the current pressures, monitoring long-term vegetation dynamics has become an urgent priority. Resurveying studies offer a cost-effective approach to detecting temporal vegetation changes, particularly in highly dynamic and frequently disturbed environments like coastal dunes. Here we introduce the first results from a collaborative network of Italian vegetation scientists engaged in resurveying coastal dune habitats to track long term temporal changes. As part of this initiative, we have begun compiling ReSurveyDunes [1], the first database of resurveyed coastal dune vegetation in Italy, integrating historical phytosociological data revisited in 2023–2024. The database now includes over 1050 vegetation plots across 11 Italian regions, with historical records dating back to 1974. It focuses primarily on herbaceous psammophilous coastal habitats, specifically those classified under the EU Habitats Directive (1210, 2110, 2120, 2130*, 2210, and 2230). Preliminary analyses provide a comprehensive overview of the diversity of Italian coastal dune habitats and reveal major temporal trends at both the community and species levels. Direct comparisons between historical and recent data indicate notable shifts, particularly in pioneer habitats. Our findings highlight an overall decline in typical and diagnostic species, alongside an increase in ruderal and non-native species, demonstrating how shifts in species composition within these habitats represent a tangible threat to their conservation. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and propose directions for future research. Moving forward, we aim to deepen our understanding of Mediterranean coastal dune dynamics, generating critical insights to support conservation and restoration efforts.
MONITORING LONG-TERM CHANGES IN ITALIAN COASTAL DUNE VEGETATION: INSIGHTS FROM THE RESURVEYDUNES INITIATIVE
Bertacchi A;Ciccarelli D;
2025-01-01
Abstract
Coastal dunes are unique transition zones between land and sea, supporting specialized flora and fauna adapted to harsh environmental conditions. These ecosystems exhibit a distinct plant community zonation, creating a mosaic of habitats that contributes to their remarkable biodiversity. Despite their high conservation value, Mediterranean coastal dunes have undergone significant alterations, ranking among the most threatened ecosystems in Europe. Given the current pressures, monitoring long-term vegetation dynamics has become an urgent priority. Resurveying studies offer a cost-effective approach to detecting temporal vegetation changes, particularly in highly dynamic and frequently disturbed environments like coastal dunes. Here we introduce the first results from a collaborative network of Italian vegetation scientists engaged in resurveying coastal dune habitats to track long term temporal changes. As part of this initiative, we have begun compiling ReSurveyDunes [1], the first database of resurveyed coastal dune vegetation in Italy, integrating historical phytosociological data revisited in 2023–2024. The database now includes over 1050 vegetation plots across 11 Italian regions, with historical records dating back to 1974. It focuses primarily on herbaceous psammophilous coastal habitats, specifically those classified under the EU Habitats Directive (1210, 2110, 2120, 2130*, 2210, and 2230). Preliminary analyses provide a comprehensive overview of the diversity of Italian coastal dune habitats and reveal major temporal trends at both the community and species levels. Direct comparisons between historical and recent data indicate notable shifts, particularly in pioneer habitats. Our findings highlight an overall decline in typical and diagnostic species, alongside an increase in ruderal and non-native species, demonstrating how shifts in species composition within these habitats represent a tangible threat to their conservation. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and propose directions for future research. Moving forward, we aim to deepen our understanding of Mediterranean coastal dune dynamics, generating critical insights to support conservation and restoration efforts.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
