The proposal includes a series of actions, that are often characterized by intense interactions.
The actions aim in the re-establishment, follow-up and management of surface aquatic resources and natural environment of region as well as in the increase of estimate of value of environment of region from the local population (creation of motives and sensitivity from their side for their mixture in the management of region) and one can include them in two axes:
- In actions of management, re-establishment, follow-up and upgrade of surface aquatic resources and grounds.
- In actions of education, briefing and sensitization of local population and visitors.
Α. Water Management
There are important references to protected areas for the implementation of the Water framework Directive and most specifically to wetlands. The conservation demands for site included in the NATURA 2000 network have to be duly taken into account when drowing up management plans for River Basin Districts. Monitoring of biotic and abiotic parameters related to water management within the protected areas is a major obligation of EU member states.
In the case of Amvrakikos wetlands, it is documented that freshwater resources available to the wetland have seriously been decreased, as a response to reclamation, irrigation and electricity production needs and this has resulted to changes in the functions of this ecosystem. It has also been observed that a decrease of incoming marine waters from the Ionian Sea has occurred. These changes have a series of short- medium and long term impacts on the protected species and habitats of the site, some of which have a high European and International value for nature conservation. The project will seek to establish the links between water management and monitoring needs of the protected area, implement direct actions and evaluate the necessary links in the context of its River Basin District.
Β. Promoter and stakeholders
This proposal focuses on actions contributing to: (a) the rational management and appropriate monitoring of inland and surface waters, transitional and coastal waters and groundwater resources of the area, (b) the management, restoration and upgrading of critical ecologically important habitats, and (c) the raising of the appreciation and awareness of the local population on the need to protect and sustainably use their environment.
