In&Out: comparing plant biodiversity patterns inside and outside of protected areas in coastal dune ecosystems of Tuscany

Coastal dune ecosystems host highly specialized communities, that provide fundamental ecosystem services. However, they are currently among the most endangered ecosystems worldwide because of multiple threats, including urbanization, tourism pressure, spread of invasive alien species and coastal erosion. In the last years, the loss and degradation of dune ecosystems has increased all over European coasts and the current network of protected areas may not be effective in halting this regression. The aim of this study is to analyze plant diversity of Tuscan coastal dunes, comparing its patterns inside and outside protected areas, aiming at assessing their effectiveness for plant and habitat conservation. Specifically, plant diversity will be analyzed first at the taxonomic level, using 474 random plots collected in 2019-2021. Plant species will be distinguished between focal, ruderal and alien groups, and diversity patterns will be separately studied for each one. Along with observed field data, diversity will be analyzed using remote sensing to derive spectral diversity indices, such as Rao’s Q heterogeneity and spectral α- and β-diversity. The relationship of these indices with taxonomic diversity will be tested as a possible proxy to be used in conservation practices. Furthermore, plant diversity patterns for the species groups as well as for the spectral indices inside and outside protected areas will be compared. Results will provide information on the effectiveness of protected areas for the conservation of coastal dune plant communities in Tuscany and possibly on the usefulness of remote sensing tools for its assessment.