Early-stage evaluation of invasive plant impacts on historic monuments: case study of Bellu Cemetery

Urban cemeteries represent complex cultural landscapes where natural and anthropogenic factors interact, influencing both biodiversity and the preservation of built heritage. This preliminary study investigates the impact of invasive vegetation on the structural integrity and conservation status of historical monuments within Bellu Cemetery, Bucharest. Field observations and qualitative assessments were conducted to document invasive plant species, their distribution patterns, and the types of physical or biochemical deterioration observed on stone and metal monuments. Early findings indicate that woody species such as Ailanthus altissima exert mechanical stress through root penetration, while climbing taxa such as Parthenocissus quinquefolia accelerate surface decay and microclimatic changes that favour biodeterioration. The results highlight the need for integrated management strategies that balance ecological value with heritage conservation. This early-stage research will continue and contributes to the emerging field of biocultural heritage studies by providing baseline data for future quantitative analyses and restoration planning.