Coastal environments and long-term human practices in Corfu: a seascape perspective

Corfu's coastal environments, shaped by millennia of human activity, reveal a dynamic interplay between marine ecosystems and cultural heritage. This study demonstrates how seascapes—both as ecological systems and cultural constructs—have influenced economic and social relations, resource exploitation, and landscape use from ancient times to the present. By integrating archaeological remains, ethnographic evidence, and archival materials through a diachronic lens, researchers uncovered patterns of habitation, fishing traditions, and maritime practices that define Corfu's strategic position in the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. The findings highlight the island's diverse coastal ecosystems—including wetlands, lagoons, estuaries, and salt flats—as vital components of its cultural and economic heritage. A key contribution is the development of the Community Map of Southern Corfu, which, through collaboration with local communities, aims to enhance the value of these environments while fostering sustainable development. This ecomuseum approach emphasizes collective memory, active community participation, and regenerative practices, offering a model for balancing conservation with economic diversification in fishing communities.

Sbonias, K. (2022). Coastal environments and long-term human practices in Corfu: a seascape perspective. Journal of Greek Archaeology, 7, 435–461. https://doi.org/10.32028/jga.v7i.1723