A "DPSIR" model for Mediterranean temporary ponds: European, national and local scale comparisons

Mediterranean Temporary Ponds (MTPs) are priority habitats (Natura 2000) of great importance according to the European Legislation (Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC). They are being destroyed mostly because Of public ignorance of their significant value. Today, MTPs are Subject to high pressures from several human activities (agriculture, livestock, tourism etc.). In this work, the "Drivers-Pressures-State-impacts-Responses" (DPSIR) model has been used, because it allows to evaluate the impact of the human socioeconomic pressure. We estimated the present condition of West Crete's MTPs, in order to propose management practices for their restoration. A comparison with the Greek and European MTPs is also developed.