Title

Old Groves, New Fruits:

An Evaluation of Traditional Mediterranean Olive Groves as Conservation Tools

Creator

Eikenberry, Stefan

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of Mediterranean olive cultivation history, how it transitioned to the modern model, and the associated environmental costs that came with this transition. The work also examines how the olive tree formed cultural landscapes through its growth characteristics and its importance as an interface with local ecosystems and rural communities. Emphasis is placed upon the ecological and cultural services provided through this traditional agroecosystem model, the potential for reintegrating the olive tree as a conservation tool in the modern day in tandem with ecotourism, and constraints that can be overcome through EU policy reform.

Keywords

agroecology

ecotourism

conservation

Subject

Environmental Science

Date Available

May 22, 2025

Type

Poster

Course

ES 4126A1 Conservation of Wildlife & Mediterranean Ecosystems

Instructor

Apostolaki, Stella

Session

Poster Session

Location

Deree Corridor

Event

Year 2025 | 9th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium