engleski

Heritage sites at risk of invasive alien plant species

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges today and affects all regions worldwide. In addition to invasive species, it is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. Moreover, climate change increases the vulnerability of the habitat and reduces its resistance to biological invasions. At the same time, it favours the spread and establishment of more adaptable alien species. In addition to reducing biodiversity and compromising the natural heritage, invasive species also pose a threat to human structures such as cultural heritage sites. Those sites are often highly visited by people from different parts of the world, encouraging the spread of invasive species. Ancient buildings, archaeological sites and other hystorical remains are part of the valuable cultural heritage and should be preserved. However, invasive alien plant species present a risk to their conservation primarily due to the development of a strong root which then mechanically and chemically destroys the infrastructures. An example of such detrimental material impact is Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, a tree native to subtropical areas that has invaded temperate areas due to global warming. Alien invasive plant species endanger Croatia's cultural heritage sites reducing their tourism value. This study presents examples of how invasive alien plant species disrupt the appearance and preservation of the tangible cultural heritage of Croatia. We hereby emphasize the need to implement a management action plan to eliminate invasive species in cultural heritage sites.

climate change, heritage sites, invasive species

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