Abandoned quarry reclamation by selecting the appropriate plant species.

Mining activity has been an essential human activity since ancient times, contributing to human society's economic and cultural development. Today, surface mining activity in Greece is significant both economically and socially. A large number of quarries for aggregates and ornamental stones throughout the country contributes to the economic development of local communities and is the main occupations of mineral resources engineers.

However, it is an activity that significantly affects the natural environment, causing a range of impacts, reversible or irreversible, leading to the degradation of the area and visual alteration of the landscape. The environmental impact is considerable, and the concerns about protecting the landscape and ecosystems are growing. All thesecan be anticipated and dealt with by organizing and planning a landscape restoration study.

This research focuses on the landscaping and restoration of an aggregate quarry at the 'Latzimas' site in the prefecture of Rethymnon, Crete. In this context, two restoration proposals are made, including:

- the phytotechnical restoration of the quarry benches and pit floor using appropriate plant species,

- and the reuse of the quarry through the creation of a:

• A) model vineyard,
• B) botanical garden.

Usually, as the most suitable vegetation species are chosen the ones that thrive in the area instead of the ones that thrive in poor nutrient conditions, such as the environment of the abandoned quarries. Because of the above, the quarry engineer, who usually does not have the necessary knowledge of botany, will need to consult with experts (e.g. botanists and foresters) to ensure that the restoration plan is effective and not only aimed at meeting the obligations imposed by the legislation.