Impact of land-use change and soil erosion on cultural landscapes: the case of cultural paths and sites in Paphos district, Cyprus

In 2006 UNESCO report has identified soil loss as one of the main threats of climate change with possible impact to natural and cultural heritage. This study illustrates results of applied geomatics approach, undertaken in order to identify the portions of the ancient Hellenistic-Roman Road network in Paphos district in Cyprus, that are undergoing major pressure caused by soil erosion and soil loss. In particular, Earth Observation methods were applied for identification, mapping and estimation of the possible soil loss caused by soil erosion in the period of the past 30 years. Special attention was given to the land use/land cover factor (C) and its impact on the overall estimation of the soil-loss. Cover factor represents the effect of soil-disturbing activities, plants, crop sequence and productivity level, soil cover and subsurface bio-mass on soil erosion. Urban areas have a definite role in retarding the recharge process, leading to increased runoff and soil loss in the broader area. On the other hand, natural vegetation plays a predominant role in reducing water erosion. Cover factor was estimated, classified and observed in years 1987 and 2016 in the District of Paphos and more specifically over Hellenistic-Roman Roads network corridors. The variance of the values between two years was then calculated in order to identify the areas under major pressure of soil erosion caused by the changes in land use and land cover.