1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. Reconstruction project
Water transfer of Pinieus river
3 rd Pumping station

10. Reconstruction project
Mountain Torrent and collectors Σ3 Σ6

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

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

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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Thank you for your attention