FIELD PROJECTS: HIGHLIGHTS


Management, guarding and eco-tourism development of the Dadia-Soufli Forest Reserve The Dadia Forest Reserve lies in the core forest area towards the east of the prefecture of Evros, Thrace. According to EU Directive 79/409, Dadia has been demarcated as a Special Protection Area. The reserve is home to a remarkably rich variety of reptile fauna and rare and endangered birds of prey. More than 200 different species of birds, 40 species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as large and small species of mammals can be found here. An indication of its rich variety of fauna is the fact that out of a total of 38 species of birds of prey in the entire Europe, 23 nest in this protected area. The forest also hosts the last black vulture colony in SE Europe. Including the bird species which winter or stop here during migration, the number of species of birds of prey goes up to 36.

The Dadia Forest Reserve consists of two strictly protected core zones covering 7,200 ha. This is surrounded by a buffer zone of approximately 28,000 ha. Since 1992, WWF-Greece, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, the Soufli Forest Service and local communities, has undertaken a project for the integrated management, wardening and development of eco-tourism in the Dadia Reserve. An information centre and observatory for birds of prey have been set up. The ecotourism centre has emerged as an ideal base for tours to natural sites and traditional settlements in the area.

Society for the Protection of Prespa A non-profit, non-governmental body, the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) was founded in 1991 at the initiative of WWF-Greece. It consists of seven Greek and three European Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The principal aim of the SPP is to conserve the cultural and natural values of Prespa and to promote sustainable forms of development. Among the Society's wide range of programmes are:

  • The operation of an information centre for Prespa and the village of Aghios Germanos
  • A proposal, along with local authorities, for the European Union "LEADER" project
  • A study on the importance of the Aghios Germanos region, which is not at present included in the Prespa National Park
  • Research into the rational management of Mikri Prespa's wet meadows and reed banks
  • Design and management of the CADISPA project by means of sub-projects on organic farming, education, information, and cultural and agricultural upgrading.

CADISPA: Project for Conservation and Development in Sparsely Populated Areas This project, started in Scotland and extended later to Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece, seeks the social and economic upgradation of the areas in which it is being implemented. CADISPA also aims to promote the region's rich cultural and natural values. In Greece the CADISPA programme is being implemented in the Prespa National Park under the supervision of the SPP. It includes:

  • An Environmental Education programme for schools in the prefecture of Florina
  • Organizing Environmental Education activities in Prespa for visiting schools
  • Planning and implementation of economic development proposals
  • Promoting trade of local products of Prespa through the establishment of a market in Aghios Germanos
  • Provision of consultants and information to the locals on restoration of buildings
  • Research programmes and measures for the protection of Dalmatian and White Pelican colonies
  • Measures for the protection of the endemic sub-species of trout in the stream of Aghios Germanos
  • Planning and implementation of pilot eco-tourism programmes.

Ionian Sea Project: Conservation of Endangered Species and Habitats in the Ionian Sea The areas of Zakynthos, Cephallania and Hora, Kyparissia (Western Peloponnese) and the Strofades Islands are home to a rich variety of fauna. They host sea turtles, Mediterranean monk seals, migratory birds and rare species of flora. They also comprise habitats of international importance.

The main aim of the Ionian Sea Project is the conservation of species within the framework of sustainable development. In addition, it monitors tourist activities which exert the most intense pressure on these habitats.

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