Dynamics of Coastal Land Use over the Last Century in Estonia

作者：Antso K^*; Palginomm V; Szava Kovats R; Kont A

来源：Journal of Coastal Research, 2011, 1769-1773.

• coastal land use
• coastal landscape
• biodiversity
• semi-natural plant communities
• Baltic Sea

Antso, K., Palginomm, V., Szava-Kovats, R. and Kont A., 2011. Dynamics of Coastal Land Use over the Last Century in Estonia. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 64 (Proceedings of the 11th International Coastal Symposium), 1769 - 1773. Szczecin, Poland, ISBN 0749-0208
Like the Baltic Sea region in general, the Estonian coastal land use has historically been rather intensive. The situation changed dramatically during the 20th century. At the end of WWII, the coastal zone of Estonia was declared a border zone of the Soviet Union, leading to restrictions on settlement and socio-economic activity. The most severe restrictions were established on the islands exposed to the Baltic Sea proper. The traditional coastal land use was curtailed, while locations with less strict regimes on the mainland maintained their population and some traditional activity for the following decades. After regaining independence, the Estonian coast has become a popular recreation area, which has affected the coastal land use and land cover pattern once again. Changes in coastal land use over the 20th century have led to a simplification of the landscape, which is associated with a decrease in biodiversity. Halting the loss of biodiversity is an issue of both local and global concern, and is one of the main strategic goals of environmental policy of the European Union. This article focuses on land use changes during the 20th century in two study areas with similar natural structure but with different human impact over the second half of the century - Koruse, NW Saaremaa Island and Tostamaa, SW mainland Estonia. The results suggest that regardless of the reason for mismanagement, the changes at both sites are similar: overgrowth of former grasslands by shrubland or reed beds, a decrease in species richness and overall simplification of the landscape.

• 出版日期2011