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Greece expands its network of marine protected areas 

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Greece expands its network of marine protected areas 

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Wednesday, 20 December 2017
The expansion of the Natura 2000 network, especially in its marine part, constitutes a significant step for the conservation of Greece and the Mediterranean as a whole. With this decision, the Ν"The significance of this decision by Greece extends beyond the country's borders. The addition of Natura 2000 sites, increases also the total coverage of protected areas in the Mediterranean and Europe, which still fall behind the global marine protected areas target" noted Demetres Karavellas, CEO of WWF Greece and Chair of WWF's Mediterranean Marine Initiative. "The designation of marine protected areas is necessary in order to achieve living seas, which is a precondition for sustainable development, especially in sectors such as fisheries and tourism". atura 2000 network will cover approximately 28% of the country's land and about 22% of its marine territory, thus contributing to the attainment of the global targets on protected areas. Following this decision, it is now important for Greece to ensure effective management of these areas.
The increase of the Natura 2000 network is based on an expansion of the 63 existing and the addition of 32 new Natura 2000 sites. As a result, the marine Natura 2000 network will increase from 6.12% to approximately 22% of its marine territory.

While this decision is a reflection of the richness of Greece' nature, it is also a source of concern. To date, Greece has not responded adequately to the implementation of nature conservation requirements as the country has yet to identify conservation objectives for its existing Natura 2000 sites, while only two management plans have been officially approved.

The expansion of the Natura 2000 network signifies Greece's efforts to meet its global obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity, in line with its recent commitment at the "Our Oceans" conference in Malta regarding the increase of marine protected areas until 2020.
Notes to editors
Furthermore, the decision constitutes an important step towards better implementation of the EU Nature Directives, especially as the European Commission had acknowledged inadequacies in the designation of Natura 2000 sites, with respect to protected species, such as sea birds and habitat types such as Posidonia beds. Greece's proposals will now be evaluated by the EC to determine the extent to which gaps have been filled.
http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/all_publications/?291910/Preventing-Paper-Parks
"With the decision of Greece to expand its Natura 2000 network, Greece retains its positive stance on the need for better implementation of the EU Nature Directives, as expressed during the EC fitness check" noted Ioli Christopoulou, Nature Policy Officer of WWF Greece and she added "However, the road ahead is still long. The designation of protected areas is not adequate for their protection. Integrated management, an operational system of administration, which ensures multi-stakeholder participation and adequate funding, is also required. While the Greek ministry placed a draft bill, which would respond at least in part to these requirements, on public consultation about a month ago, the bill has not yet been submitted to Parliament for consideration. Time is running out. If no provision is adopted in the next few days, on January 1 st there is real danger that these new sites will only be protected in paper. Their conservation will be up in the air, as the sites will not be covered by any management body, following the same pattern of inadequate management that has characterized a big part of the existing Natura 2000 network".

1. The Natura 2000 network is based on the EU's Nature Directives and in particular on the Birds Directives, which provides for the designation of the Special Protection Areas and the Habitats Directive, which provides for the designation of Sites of Community Importance and then Special Areas of Conservation.

2. Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have agreed since 2010 to the 2020 Aichi Targets, among which Target 11 provides that "By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascape."

3. A year ago, the European Commission's Fitness Check concluded that the EU's Nature directives are fit for purpose. The EC Action Plan on nature, people and the economy which was adopted in April 2017 calls on the completion of the Natura 2000 network, especially in the marine areas.

4. Read WWF's report on Preventing Paper Parks: How to make the EU nature laws work:

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περιβαλλοντική εκπαίδευση

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Greece expands its network of marine protected areas

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Wednesday, 20 December 2017 The expansion of the Natura 2000 network, especially in its marine part, constitutes a significant step for the conservation of Greece and the Mediterranean as a whole. With this decision, the Ν "The significance of this decision by Greece extends beyond the country's borders.

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Patterns and traits of the endemic plants of Greece

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Nature protection in Greece: an appraisal of the factorsshaping integrative conservation and policy effectiveness

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Nature protection in Greece: an appraisal of the factorsshaping integrative conservation and policy effectiveness

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Greece is home to several mammals found nowhere else including the Cretan Spiny Mouse the Cretan Shrew (((( flickr), and an endemic subspecies: the Cretan Wild Goat or Kri-kri ( Wikipedia). Amphibians restricted to Greece include the Karpathos Salamander ( ARKive).

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Think of Greece and many of us conjure up images in our minds of blue skies & seas, a sun kissed land of ancient history and modern holiday making. But there is another, perhaps largely undiscovered and appreciated side to the Country, its wildlife.
Greece is blessed with a marvellous and diverse landscape of forest, mountains, gorges, lakes, rivers and coastal lagoons. A surprising amount of Greece is mountainous with over one-third of the Country lying over 500m above sea level. For a relatively small Country of around 132,000 square kilometres surface area Greece is endowed with an incredible richness of natural treasures. Here are some of the highlights:

Birds
There are 425 bird species recorded in Greece, 243 of those species breed in the Country. That is a huge number for such a small place, making Greece very important for European bird life and a great place to visit for bird watching. Several species that breed in Greece are globally threatened, including Dalmatian pelican, Lesser kestrel, Pygmy cormorant, Black vulture and Cinereous bunting. Greece also holds the largest breeding population of Dalmatian pelican outside of the Former Soviet Union and two thirds of the world's population of Eleanora's Falcon breed in Greece.
Plants
Greece is home to around 6,000 different plant species and over 700 of those are endemic, meaning they occur nowhere else in the world. That equates to about 15% endemism - the highest in the whole of Europe! This diversity of plant life means that when you go for a walk in the countryside of Greece there is almost always something new to see! The mountainous topography of Greece has provided isolation for plants to evolve separately and sanctuary for all kinds of wildlife, helping to preserve this bounty of biodiversity from the pressures of human intervention.
Butterflies
Greece is adorned by 235 species of butterfly, more than half of the total number of species in the whole of Europe. These living jewels are a colourful feature of any excursion in Greece and the sheer numbers of them can be quite extraordinary, usually a feature of the more mountainous regions.
Reptiles & amphibians

Greece has around 70 different species of reptiles and amphibians. That is more than either France or Spain, which are both about four times the size! These include some endemic species, such as the Milos Viper (west Cyclades islands), The Peloponnese Wall Lizard (only in southern Greece) and the Levant Skink (Rhodes).
THREE TOP wildlife destinations
Dadia Forest- 36 species of raptor recorded and 20 breeding species makes this the raptor hot spot of Europe!

Peloponnese - the mountains of the north Peloponnese region are extremely rich in butterflies, 100 species in a week in June is a feasible number to see. The area is largely unspoilt and very beautiful too!

Lesvos - Well known as one of the best birdwatching places in the whole of Europe. The island is particularly good in spring, when as well as breeding Mediterranean species there are also many migrants passing through to breed in eastern Europe and Asia Minor.

Text provided by Matt Berry
www.greenwings.co

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Think of Greece and many of us conjure up images in our minds of blue skies & seas, a sun kissed land of ancient history and modern holiday making. But there is another, perhaps largely undiscovered and appreciated side to the Country, its wildlife.

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Πατριδογνωσία-Geogreece

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Map of the 440 Greek areas in the european network Natura 2000

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Volcanoes in Greece: Famous and active - Greeka.com

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Discover the most famous Greece volcanoes in the mainland and the Greek islands: In Santorini, Nisyros, Methana, Milos and others.

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Greece was a land that was shifted and shaped by its many volcanoes raising islands in the sea and carving off cliffs into the mainland. It's been a while since any of the volcanoes in Greece were last active, but if you want to visit somewhere to experience the dramatic remnants ofsuch explosive forces, then these destinations are perfect for you.

1. Santorini

Any list of Greece's volcanic island would naturally have to be topped by Santorini.This island is gifted with a natural beauty and a wild scenery created by the eruptions that happened between 1613-1614 BC. The force of such discharge resulted in the collapse of the mouth of the volcano, resulting in the formation of the iconic caldera we know and love today.

In the last 400,000 years, the volcano has erupted and been reborn from its ashes 12 times, causing dramatic changes to the archipelago's morphology.

The area has been calm since 1950, when the last lava outflow was recorded, with the hot springs bubbling up from the sea and the vapors around Nea Kameni being the only evidence of activity. Visitors can take ferry rides out to the caldera to experience the dormant volcano's hot springs and hissing sulphur vents. The legacy of Santorini's creative force has been the volcanic soil which lends a particularly sharp and strong flavor to anything that grows on the island, as well as the gorgeous, multicolored volcanic beaches which hug its shores.

2. Nisyros

Nisyros, the remote beauty of the Dodecanese, has always been shrouded with mystique because of its volcano which has not erupted since 1888, but remains quietly active. The entire island is in fact a volcano, with a 4 km caldera at its center and five smaller craters, the most imposing of which is the 3,000 to 4,000-year-old Stefanos.

With a depth of 27m and a 330m diameter, it is considered the largest and most well preserved hydrothermal crater in the world. Like a sleeping beast, it'sstill puffing sulphuric fumes from its many fumaroles, making it hard for some people to visit the area.

Last summer, Stefanos hosted an enchanting concert right inside the crater that played improvised classical music for over 10 hours under the August moon.

3. Milos

Milos is home to a dormant volcano which hasn't erupted since 90,000 BC. Kalamos is at the heart of one of the island's oldest volcanic centers. The volcanic steam and gases emitted into the atmosphere reach temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius, and the volcano has left its mark on the island through the rich minerals deposits and unusual geological formations it created. Milos offers over 70 beaches ideal for swimming and discovering the island's volcanic legacy , including Sarakiniko beach for its smooth white rocks or Papafragkas with its ochre rocks.

For a moreextensive experience involving the volcano, begin with the Milos Mining Museum and then select and explore one of the marked routes, an initiative organized by the Miloterranean group.

The result of the volcano's presence on the island's geology has made Milos rich in minerals. A significant proportion of the island's population works at the mines, which make up a large part of Milos. The Aggeria mine is Europe's largest bentonite mine. Bentonite clay is used as a detoxification aid. Kaolin is also widely present and ideal for homemade beauty treatments. Grab a bag to make your own face masks.

4. Kos

Smaller and less well-known than the other volcanoes on Greek islands, Kos ' volcano hasn't created the same dramatic landscapes as those elsewhere, but can still be observed in other ways.

Near Psalidi beach, close to the main town, you'll find the beach of Therma, also known as Bubble beach. Here, warm springs from under the sands heat the water andrelease it to the surfacewith streams of bubbles.The hot springs are full of beneficial minerals for a relaxing soak, and kids love the phenomenon of the bubbling waters. Because of the thermal springs, the beach stays active even in the winter.

5. Methana

Not an island but a peninsula on the Peloponnese, Methana owes its existence to the volcano that still bubbles beneath it. The volcano has created a stunning landscape with rich flora and and fauna for those who love the outdoors. A spa complex harnessing the volcanoes hot springs also operates here, turning the destination into a popular spa town.

Other effects of the volcano can be seen in Paleokastro, where the remains of the ancient walls and gates of an acropolis which fell into the sea after a volcanic eruption still stand.You can stand on top of old, solidified lava flows and see their wild beauty for yourself. After a day exploring the various volcanic features dotted around Methana, unwind in the gorgeous volcanic beaches of Nissaki Ayion Anaryiron, Limniónas and Vathý.

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Greece was a land that was shifted and shaped by its many volcanoes raising islands in the sea and carving off cliffs into the mainland. It's been a while since any of the volcanoes in Greece were last active, but if you want to visit somewhere to experience the dramatic remnants ofsuch explosive forces, then these destinations are perfect for you.

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5 HIKING DESTINATIONS ENDORSED BY YOU by Discover Greece Team

"Places of unique natural beauty will host every activity you love doing on the mountain; abseiling, hiking or climbing... Gather your friends, get all the right gear and off you go!"

Read the Blog >

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5 HIKING DESTINATIONS ENDORSED BY YOU by Discover Greece Team "Places of unique natural beauty will host every activity you love doing on the mountain; abseiling, hiking or climbing... Gather your friends, get all the right gear and off you go!" Read the Blog >

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16 photos of wonderful animals in Greece

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16 photos of wonderful animals in Greece

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The Kri-kri Goat

Also called the Cretan goat, agrimi, or Cretan ibex, the kri-kri is probably the most famous of native Cretan animals. Thought to have been brought to the country from Persia thousands of years ago, the kri-kri goat, described as a 'feral domestic goat,' is now considered native to Crete and can be found on three satellite islands offshore: Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pantes. Its conservation status is vulnerable, and the animal is now a protected species.

The Cretan Spiny Mouse

The adorable Cretan spiny mouse is another species endemic to Crete. With coarse, stiff hairs on its back and tail, it has a more pointed face than other species of spiny mice. Feeding on grass and seeds, this small nocturnal forager has fur that varies from yellow to red, or sometimes gray or brown on the face and back, with white fur on the underside.

The Beech Marten

The beech marten - a common small carnivore found throughout Greece - is another animal species you may encounter in nature. When it doesn't find small prey, it feeds largely on fruits and nuts. Since it is not hunted for its fur anymore, a population increase has been recorded - even within small towns.

The Badger (Arcalos)

The badger of Crete, or arcalos, is a local subspecies of the common badger. With a thick, rough coat and distinctive white strap starting at the edge of the muzzle and going to the back of the head, this little carnivore feeds on hares, rats, mice, as well as worms and fruits plus snails. Very common in Crete, it usually lives at an altitude of up to 1500 meters, and though hunted in the past for its skin, it is now protected, with large populations in some areas, such as the small city of Arkalohori, or 'the village of badgers.'

The Cypriot Mouflon

As the biggest animal of the Cyprus fauna, the Cypriot mouflon belongs to a group of wild sheep thought to be the ancestors of domesticated sheep. The animal is very shy - scaring easily - and agile, moving very fast on the steep slopes of the forests. Scientists think the species may have come from Asia to Cyprus during Neolithic times. After escaping extinction during the 20th century, the Cypriot mouflon is now successfully protected.

The Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead turtles are common in Greece, mainly in Zakynthos, Peloponnese, and Crete, as these locales are home to important nesting areas for the turtles. While they are awkward on land, these little animals become agile creatures once in the water. The country has several care centers where volunteers and visitors from around the world can come and help and learn more about these fragile animals.

The Dolphin

Dolphins are common in Greece, although the biodiversity in the Mediterranean is not as diverse as in other oceans or larger seas. Four kinds of dolphins are found in the waters, namely the bottlenose dolphin, the common dolphin, the stripped dolphin, and the Risso's dolphin, and they can be spotted in various locations, though the main one is the Gulf of Corinth. You even might catch sight of one playing in the water the next time you visit an island.

The Mediterranean Monk Seal

Probably the rarest of all animals you can spot in Greece, the monk seal is a cave-dwelling species of the marine mammal. With just over 600 remaining in the wild, the Mediterranean monk seal really is a rare breed. Hunting and the destruction of their habitat by man are the main reasons for its decline; therefore, when a new colony is discovered, it is kept secret to protect the animals.

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16 Photos Of Wonderful Animals You'll Find In Greece

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Also called the Cretan goat, agrimi, or Cretan ibex, the kri-kri is probably the most famous of native Cretan animals. Thought to have been brought to the country from Persia thousands of years ago, the kri-kri goat, described as a 'feral domestic goat,' is now considered native to Crete and can be found on three satellite islands offshore: Dia, Thodorou, and Agii Pantes.

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Climate The climate of the mountain differs substantially from the climate of the Attica plain, especially in regard to air temperature and precipitation. The temperature in the high peaks of Parnitha is 2-6 °C smaller than the temperature in the foothills.