Problem of uncontrolled grazing in the prefecture of Dodecanese

In the province of Dodecanese there has been a major problem concerning forest ecosystems, due to the intense and uncontrolled grazing of goats and sheep. The degradation of forest ecosystems and the natural environment in general, has now become noticeable. The destruction of herbaceous and shrubby vegetation is followed by soil destruction. This problem was aggravated during 1982-1992 due to heavy wildfires and the commitment of the state to declare the burned areas for reforestation and to ban grazing in them. In this way, available areas for grazing were reduced. But, instead of reducing the number of goats, their number was markedly increased as a result of state and EC subsidies. The goal of this paper is to outline this problem and propose solutions in order to assist civil and political services to take all necessary measures to reverse the current situation and to help natural ecosystems recover and regain their proper form. This paper concluded that the number of grazing animals is much larger than the grazing capacity in each island. In order to solve the problem, in terms of sustainable development, urgent and effective measures have to be taken, such as the reduction of the number of grazing animals, stable animal production, rangeland improvement and grazing management.