Greece: Ecosystem Based IWM Plans in the Framework of WFD Implementation: The “Strymon” Pilot Project

Abstract

Greece exhibits a complicated and of extreme beauty natural environment consisting of a ``mosaic{''} of interrelated physiographic and climatic types which is reflected in the presence of a great variety of ecosystems with highly diverse flora and fauna. Within the national territory are situated about 400 wetlands. The Water Framework Directive (WFD), being now in an implementation process, requires that the functioning of wetland ecosystems should be understood when managing ecosystems in the framework of Integrated Water Management (IWM). To this respect, plans are formulated and their very aim is the application of IWM models in the study areas, which will constitute the main administrative tools for the formation and further periodical update of the Management Plans per River Basin. The STRYMON River Project, in Northern Greece, is a pilot project facilitating the formulation and optimal implementation of the above plans. The overall objective is to promote the sustainable management of surface and ground water bodies. Four Natura 2000 sites, including Lake Kerkini are included in the Strymon River's catchment area. This pilot project involves four distinctive sets of activities: a) Planning for sustainable tourism, b) creation of a database for matters of nature, c) public awareness activities and d) elaboration of a monitoring system in the Strymon delta and the coastal zone of Strymonikos Gulf. The main characteristics and the expected results of the Strymon project are presented in this paper.