Biocultural diversity and landscape patterns in three historical rural areas of Morocco, Cuba and Italy

摘要: As indicated by the UNESCO-sCBD Florence Declaration on biocultural diversity current state of biological and cultural results from combination historical on-going processes. The indicates landscape level, particularly rural landscape, as an appropriate dimension for understanding applying this concept. spatial component is crucial importance biodiversity, but also one most interesting scientific perspective to understand relationships with human influence. Historical landscapes still traditional agricultural practices are very good examples how man has been able adapt difficult often extreme, environmental conditions, preserving biodiversity. Species their habitats have adapted landscapes, changing features, therefore a approach probably best suited manage biodiversity existing in characterized long history Some important international programs, such UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL) Cultural Landscapes FAO Globally Important Agricultural Systems (GIAHS) protecting landscapes. However, there need introduce associated mosaic conservation strategies. In order study compare at three case studies were selected different continents: Northern Africa (Morocco), Caribbean (Cuba) Southern Europe (Italy). structure studied possible common features among areas located social all them resulting centuries Despite these differences, high complexity fragmentation that intended highlight aspect diversity. comparative perspective, display prevalence farmland over woodland relatively small average area farmed plots: 0.48 ha Vinales, 0.29 ha Itria valley, 0.09 ha Telouet, patch size 0.42 ha 0.28 ha. Moroccan site far finest-grained mesh, due characteristics its irrigated fields farming practices. According study, complex mosaics represent feature many around world, where socioeconomic needs rather than seem be driving factors.