ilyratzaki@med-ina.org sdodouras@med-ina.org Culture and Mediterranean wetlands: Using cultural values ​​for wetland restoration Culture et zones humides Méditerranéennes: Utilisation des valeurs culturelles pour la restauration des zones humides Irini Lyratzaki – Stefanos Dodouras ilyratzaki@med-ina.org sdodouras@med-ina.org

Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Sustainable use of natural resources: beneficial for nature and people Conventional conservation: mono-disciplinary approaches exclusion of humans and traditional activities lack of support by local communities

Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Med-INA vision: Culture, an essential part of any integrated approach towards sustainable wetland management 2004-2007: Investigation and analysis of cultural aspects of Mediterranean wetlands 2007-2011: Cultural aspects of Mediterranean wetlands project Action for culture in Mediterranean wetlands Ramsar Guidance on Culture and Wetlands Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean: an evolving story

Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean 2011-13: Project ‘Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean: Using cultural heritage aspects for wetland restoration actions’ cultural aspects for more effective nature conservation actions 3 Mediterranean pilot sites (Lake Karla, Greece – Larnaka Salt Lakes, Cyprus – Tunis Lake, Tunisia) MedWet: valuable partner

Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Pilot sites

Larnaka Salt Lakes - Cyprus Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Larnaka Salt Lakes - Cyprus

Larnaka Salt Lakes - Natural aspects Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Larnaka Salt Lakes - Natural aspects Artemia salina – Brine Shrimp Halophytic vegetation The Tekke forest

Larnaka Salt Lakes- Cultural aspects Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Larnaka Salt Lakes- Cultural aspects Important archaeological sites Statue from temple of Artemis Paralia (by the sea) Salt-harvesting heritage and wealth Hala Soultan Tekke shrine Prehistoric settlement Traditional salt-harvesting Hala Sultan Tekke shrine

Larnaka Salt Lakes- Threats Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Larnaka Salt Lakes- Threats eutrophication urban pressures pollution waste dumping Management body: Committee for the protection of the Larnaka Salt Lakes - represented by all local stakeholders

Larnaka Salt Lakes- Restoration actions Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Larnaka Salt Lakes- Restoration actions More efficient protection: directing visitors to the site from areas of great visitation organising promotional activities (i.e. in Larnaka airport, Larnaka port, environmental centre) establishing more solid synergies rising public awareness

Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Lake Karla

Lake Karla – Natural aspects Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Lake Karla – Natural aspects Before its drainage…. The re-flooded lake… …re-emergence of waterfowl and vegetation …after its drainage

Lake Karla – Cultural aspects Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Lake Karla – Cultural aspects Rich cultural heritage since the Paleolithic Era Significant fishermen culture Hunters’ paradise Supported the entire Thessaly Plain with fish during WWII Loss of traditional way of life after drainage

Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Lake Karla – Threats Absence of water quality mechanisms Absence of alternative and sustainable agriculture Entering of untreated water from upstream Lake Management Authority highly dependent on the financial and political situation of the country

Lake Karla – Restoration actions Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Lake Karla – Restoration actions Local stakeholders: work together-adopt holistic approaches Walking guide – put Karla back on the map so as to: Create opportunities for leisure and recreation Enhance the area’s biodiversity and image Initiate education programmes Rise public awareness Participation in the international project ‘Sigma for Water’

Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Lake Tunis - Tunisia

Lake Tunis - Natural aspects Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Lake Tunis - Natural aspects Divided into North and South Lakes Large number of bird species Support extended commercial fisheries North and South Lakes and the canal Vegetation around Chikly Fort

Lake Tunis– Cultural aspects Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Lake Tunis– Cultural aspects Rich cultural heritage since antiquity Fort on the island of Chikly Medina of Tunis

Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Lake Tunis – Threats The site was severely compromised in the 20th century (due to eutrophication - domestic wastewater - industrial run-off poor drainage - population growth- urban development) Large clean-up operation improved water circulation shores reclaimed – city expanded – habitat destroyed water quality improved – lake’s ecological functions recovered

Lake Tunis – Restoration actions Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Lake Tunis – Restoration actions Centre for Ecological and Cultural Interpretation of Lake Tunis communicating to the public: its significance, its ecological fragility and the need for their protection Med-INA supports: completion of studies establishment of a legal and institutional framework

Culture and wetlands in the Mediterranean Epilogue The way forward for the 3 sites: Promotion of bottom-up and holistic approaches contributing directly or indirectly to the promotion of sites’: values tourism education research awareness raising Integrating natural and cultural heritage aspects into wetland management: a more sustainable future for the environment and people.

Thank you