Introducing an Integrated Monitoring System for Natural Ecosystems: The Example of Strofilia Wetlands in Western Peloponnese, Greece

Nowadays the science of remote sensing and satellite data, constitute modern scientific tools, as they provide important information and make research easier in many scientific fields. This research article presents an integrated system for continuous monitoring of the vegetation and the human impact on the Natura 2000 protected areas of Strofilia Forest and Kotychi lagoon (Natura 2000 codes: GR 232001 and GR233006 respectively) with contemporary methods of remote Sensing and Telemetry. More specifically, aerial photographs and still images obtained from the Landsat satellite were used for visualization of spectral signatures and detection of changes in vegetation and land-uses. Water quality data was checked via sensors measuring hydrological parameters in order to detect temporal changes. Finally, an on-line database system, whose main structural characteristics are illustrated in this paper, was created to assist field work and help data collection and assessment. The efficiency and accuracy of this type of monitoring for the conservation of natural environment is discussed.