Lake Karla: restoration and environmental education Management Body of Ecodevelopment Area of Karla - Mavrovouni – Kefalovriso – Velestino Lake Karla: restoration and environmental education L. Karla 2014 L. Karla 1960 Maria Chamoglou Ichthyologist, Msc International Workshop on Tourism, Culture and wetlands, Tunis, 2014

The ancient Lake Voiviis Formation Tectonic depression at the beginning of the Quaternary period Wetland occupied most of the eastern part of the Thessaly region Its surface area fluctuated between 40 km2 and 180 km2, depending on the inflow- outflow balance. In 1962 the maximum depth of the lake did not exceed 2m

The ancient Lake Voiviis Limnology features Eutrophic lake High turbidity Low oxygen concentration near the bottom High concentrations of nutrients Biodiversity 143 bird species - 55 of which are protected by EC directive 79/409 (Zalidis et. al., 2005) 11 fish species Cyprinus carpio Aquila chrysaetus Phalacrocorax carbo Ananiadis, 1956

The ancient Lake Voiviis Socioeconomic Status and Cultural Fisheries: Main source of income More than 1000 fishermen High fish production Lake settlement, unique in Greece Mythology (e.g. Argonautic Expedition, Trojan War) History (ancient and modern of Greece)

Drying reasons In the late 19th century, had prevailed technocratic conception of several drainage wetlands throughout Greece Flood protection Agricultural development Diseases associated with the lake as malaria

Consequences Drop in groundwater levels Sea-water intrusion into groundwater aquifers Shortage of irrigation water Frequent flooding of lowlands Salinity and alkalinity problems in soils Gross pollution of ditches and water resources from industrial effluents and agrochemicals Loss of wetland habitats Decreased biodiversity

Reconstruction project-purposes Environmental Ecological restoration Reducing of groundwater abstractions Social Irrigation Flood protection Water supply of Volos & parakarlion settlements Ecotourism infrastructure Operational Program ‘Environment’ which was approved by the European Commission for the period of 2000-2006

Reconstruction project Reservoir and flood pumping stations Ditch 1T 1 st Pumping station 2 nd Pumping station

Reconstruction project Water transfer of Pinieus river 3 rd Pumping station

Reconstruction project Mountain Torrent and collectors Σ3 Σ6

Reconstruction project Ecotourism 12 site views 2 bird watching observatories Information center Museum of Natural History and Culture of Lake Karla 17 pathways Plantings around the Karla

Benefits of artificial wetland of Karla Flood protection of the surrounding plain area Environmental restoration and wetland conservation Irrigation needs for the surrounding cultivations that cover an area of 92 km2 Water supply needs for city of Volos Development of the local tourism industry

Artificial wetland of Karla Occupies the lowest part of the former Lake Karla Has a surface of 38 km2 Has been included in the European Natura 2000 Network

Artificial wetland of Karla Biodiversity Limnology features Eutrophic lake High conductivity High concentrations of nutrients In 2010- 128 bird species 13 fish species 6 amphibian and reptile species (Directive 92/43/EEC) waders and raptors bird species

Information and awareness-raising campaigns Prominence of biodiversity Environmental education programmes

Information and awareness-raising campaigns Dissemination of knowledge through printed and electronic material Environmental interpretation signs

Information and awareness-raising campaigns Prominence of cultural identity Support for cultural characteristics of various population groups in the region Integration of cultural products in the wider socio-economic structures of the area Development of environmentally friendly forms of tourism Traditional Products of Protected Area

Information and awareness-raising campaigns Prominence of traditional occupations and products Systematic recording and study of traditional occupations and regional products Support actions enlisted traditional products to the European market (eg trahana Sourva, olives, walnuts, almonds, pears, pistachio nuts, flour, cheese, cream cheese, oatmeal, wine, sweets, herbs, meat, cheese slice , legumes, mushrooms, etc.) Development of food and wine tourism Advertisement traditional occupations through printed material and event

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