Nature protection and biodiversity - Outlook 2020 (Greece)

During the last 17 years, population trends for 50 % of the threatened avian species are very negative to negative (Handrinos et al., 2009), implying the urgent need for targeted legislative measures and conservation actions. 

The alarming reduction of cattle genetic diversity and the classification of several cattle and sheep breeds as endangered reflect the urgent need for a drastic shift in relevant policies, before an irreversible homogenisation of the livestock genetic pool occurs.

Mediterranean climate ecosystems are considered among the most threatened by invasive alien species (Hulme et al., 2008b). The likelihood of future higher air temperatures and increasing drought periods, which are expected to change fire regimes (Piñol et al., 1998; Lavorel et al., 1998; Arianoutsou, 2007) could favor the establishment of more alien species (Vilà et al., 2001) or the further expansion of established ones, influencing ecosystems and the economy.

The speed of marine alien species spread and response to global warming is apparently much faster than temperature increase itself, presenting an important warning for the future of Mediterranean Sea biodiversity.