The precision land knowledge of the past enables tailor-made environment therapy and empathy for nature.

Publisher: Nature Publishing Group Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101563288 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2045-2322 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 20452322 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Sci Rep Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: London : Nature Publishing Group, copyright 2011-

Conservation of Natural Resources*/methods ; Empathy* ; Precision Medicine*; Humans ; Archaeology ; Italy ; Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; Pollen

Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
The uniqueness of each environmental context urgently requires a new vision of environmental and health protection. We propose a new view of environmental diseases that focuses on the value of the individual locality rather than on the generalisations smoothing out differences. By focusing on paleoenvironmental reconstructions, the Pro-Anthropocene data show trajectories that led to and explain the current developments. The evolution of local biodiversity and its transformations over time reveal differentiating elements not only based on the current appearance but also on long-time trajectory of each site. We gathered data from archaeological sites and surrounding ancient landscapes in Italy, drawing from 1,208 pollen spectra. Italy serves as a prime example of a bio-cultural hotspot. By means of β-diversity-based statistical analyses to assess biological uniqueness of the sites, we tested the hypothesis that, despite the low taxonomic resolution of pollen identification and the uniformity of anthropogenic habitats, many sites would result floristically unique. We discuss the role of archaeological sites as robust support for sustainability through nature-based solutions. Drawing for the first time a parallel between workflows in precision medicine and palaeoecology, we propose that a site-specific study-referred to as Precision Land Knowledge of the Past (PLKP)-is crucial for planning effective conservation and restoration efforts. While recognising the resilience of ecosystems, this innovative approach promises to have the power to raise public awareness of the importance of caring for nature.
(© 2025. The Author(s).)

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Project code CN_00000033 NextGenerationEU; Au5PON actions Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca; Dipartimenti di Eccellenza 2023-2027 Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca

Keywords: Biodiversity; Palaeoecology; Pollen; Pro-Anthropocene; Site uniqueness; β-diversity

Date Created: 20250412 Date Completed: 20250412 Latest Revision: 20250416

20250417

PMC11993774

10.1038/s41598-025-97372-x

40221497