Accepted Poster
Poster Short Abstract
Old cemeteries are valuable biodiversity refuges. This project establishes an iNaturalist to document species, bridge knowledge gaps. By linking ecological preservation to restoration of spiritual traditions, we aim to create a sustainable management model for these cultural-natural heritage sites.
Poster Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have led to a significant loss of natural habitats in the world over the last few centuries and in Ukraine. Grand-scale destruction of steppe ecosystems curried in the Soviet era in Ukraine, while today steppe remnants have survived on only 1% of this territory. Steppe flora is preserved mainly in protected areas, ravines, gullies, river terraces, sea cliffs and cultural heritage sites.
Recently, studies in different countries have recognized the natural value of old cemeteries and other cultural heritage sites.
Old cemeteries have a challenges in preserving the biodiversity of is the elimination of these sites, repurposing of the land, reburials and absent a management plan. Since preservation and spirituality are closely intertwined in, it is believed that the restoration of deteriorated sacred and spiritual traditions of local communities contributes to the preservation of natural flora (Löki et al. 2019).
684 vascular plant species were recorded in the flora of 50 old cemeteries. We recorded 65 protected vascular plant species, according to the Resolution 6 of the Berne Convention (Revised .. 1998), the Red Data Book of Ukraine (Didukh 2009) and regional red lists regions (Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council 2011; Kherson Regional Council 2013; Mykolaiv Regional Council 2012; Odesa Regional Council 2011).
The establishment of a citizen science project on iNaturalist has been undertaken with the objective of both removing this potential gap and facilitating knowledge sharing.
Poster Session