The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Expression of opinion on Greek Ramsar wetlands and possible removal from the Montreux Record, 1999 (Annexes)

I 1. Name of site: Lake Mikri Prespa

The following criteria are mentioned on the Information Sheet concerning the area:

1a | 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d | 3b, 3c, | 4a, 4b.

The above criteria are still valid.

1. Partial loss of the surface area of hydric soils
2. Increase in the reedbed area
3. Increase of solids and possibly of nutrients (N, P) entering the wetland
4. Decrease in the number of people living permanently in the ten nearby settlements
5. Change in the composition of fish fauna
6. Change in the number of breeding bird species
7. Change in the vegetation of wet meadows
8. Change in the genotype of farm animals
9. Change of hydrological regime

I 4. Reasons for adverse change, or potential adverse change, in ecological character (reference is made to the corresponding numbering of answers to question I 3)

The main human-related reason for the changes mentioned in the previous paragraph were the efforts of the Greek State to rid the inhabitants of the Prespa area, who depend directly or indirectly on wetland resources, from poverty and to ensure tolerable living conditions in order for them to remain in the area and thus preserve its agricultural character. These efforts were based on the developmental concepts and the policies ruling the entire world during the first decades following the nine-year war (Second World War and Civil War, 1940-1949). During the first decade following the Civil War, for the Prespa area and all frontier areas, the eradication of poverty and national security were priority issues.

Specific reasons (many of which derived from the main one), classified according to the type of ecological change, are the following (it should be noted that one can pinpoint various degrees of interaction among the various reasons and that it is not possible to quantify all causes):

1. Creation of an irrigation network a small part of which was located in hydric soils following their drainage. This occurred because of lack of knowledge at the time. The drainage of part of hydric soil areas did in no way benefit the inhabitants.

2. Gradually, the inhabitants ceased to cut and remove reeds because living conditions had changed and they no longer needed this type of material. Cutting ceased abruptly at the beginning of the 1970s because of a prohibition. The prohibition was considered then as a measure in favour of nature conservation.

3. There were two main causes: firstly, the embankment of some permanent and seasonal watercourses –– and secondly, the construction and operation of the irrigation network. Secondary causes that can be mentioned are the operation of a cannery (effluents entered the lake) and the possible entry of effluents from small settlements and the very small number of animal farming units.

4. A decrease in the rural population was observed in the Prespa area, just like in many other parts of Greece and other northern Mediterranean countries. However, this decrease was more severe in the Prespa area because of the lack of satisfactory employment opportunities and the war and post-war adventures. Entire villages were totally deserted. The number of animal farmers decreased particularly. Current agro-economic and agronomic conditions do not allow people to reap the same economic benefits from the cultivation of plants and the rearing of farm animals as they did 10 - 15 years ago. The problems faced by both these activities are more serious in the Prespa area than in other, areas in Greece due to the relief, difficulties of access to high technology, climatic conditions, etc. On the contrary, the number of visitors is increasing This benefits the local economy but at the same time sometimes causes problems (e.g. disturbs the avifauna).

5. The following are considered as causes: firstly, the introduction of exotic species in view of increasing the revenue of fishermen of the countries to which Lake Mikri Prespa belongs. This introduction was based on past fish production concepts which, not only did not solve any problems, but also created new ones in Greece and elsewhere. Another cause is the unintended introduction. Secondly, overfishing that is perhaps associated to a certain extent with diseases afflicting carp. Thirdly, indirect causes such as the alteration of aquatic vegetation (e.g. cessation of traditional reedbed management).

6. Sakoulis and Bourdakis (1998), referring to information provided by Grimmet and Jones (1989), Catsadorakis (1996) and the Hellenic Ornithological Society (1997), present the changes for breeding species of the Prespa area in the following table:

* Catsadorakis 1996

The same authors discuss the above table as follows: "For the Dalmatian Pelican and the Pygmy Cormorant, world-threatened species, a significant increase in breeding populations has been noted that must be attributed to the guarding of their colonies and therefore the minimisation of disturbance. The decrease observed for the remaining species is due to land reclamation works and the change in land use in the agricultural zone that led to the destruction of feeding grounds for the birds (Catsadorakis 1996)."

As previously mentioned, it is logical to conclude that the irrigation network is an important cause of negative changes because its extension to purely wetland locations destroyed aquatic bird habitats. The cannery, the fish breeding station and certain visitor activities caused similar damage of habitats, but in a much smaller scale. We believe, however, that the positive changes shown in the table might be due to adverse man-made or natural changes that occurred in other wetlands within and outside Greece, that are functionally linked to Mikri Prespa. Furthermore, there is no information about the effects of the entry into Greece of hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants during the past years, the reduced rainfall, and the changes in wet meadow vegetation due to reduced animal farming activities.

1. At present, social and economic factors discourage animal farming activities in the Prespa area, just like in many other areas of Greece. The Prespa wet meadow vegetation has evolved through the century-long presence of grazing farm animals. The reduction in the number of grazing animals during the current decade is expected to have interesting consequences on the structure of vegetation and the composition of the flora species in the wet meadows.

2. Throughout Greece, during the post-war period, many changes in the species and races of farm animals occurred. Most changes were intended in order to increase animal production. Some were successful and others not, whereas some led to loss of valuable genetic material that was adapted to local conditions. The Prespa area was not an exception to the general phenomenon but there are still some genotypes that present scientific interest (perhaps also economic). The preservation of these depends on the increase of knowledge and the possibility to implement the agri-environmental policy measures of the European Union.

3. The most important visible change in the hydrological regime of Mikri Prespa was the diversion of the Agios Germanos stream that was made many years ago, in order to direct its discharge into Megali Prespa instead of Mikri Prespa. Furthermore, especially during July-August, water is pumped out from Mikri Prespa in order to supply part of the irrigation network.

See Information Sheet submitted by the Ministry of the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works on 1.6.1998.

See Information Sheet submitted by the Ministry of the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works on 1.6.1998.

Functions

Although quantitative data is insufficient, the natural wetland functions of Mikri Prespa are identified and evaluated theoretically (see Adamus et al 1987, A. Gerakis and Kalburji 1998), as follows:

Wetland values that ensue from the performance of functions and the existence of other characteristics are evaluated as follows. Furthermore, we evaluate the degree of usage of each value today (see A. Gerakis and Kalburji 1998).

The wetland has no salt extraction or therapeutic value.

It is underlined that the evaluation of wetland functions and values is characterised by a fluctuating degree of subjectivity. This degree depends both on existing quantitative data and on the selected evaluation criteria. The above tables only constitute a first approximation. We note that the long and serious efforts made to inventory the structural features of the wetland were not so far followed by an equal effort to evaluate the functions, the values and the uses of the wetland during the various periods of its post-war history.

The remarkable biological value (in terms of biodiversity) of Mikri Prespa has been documented (see Ramsar Information Sheet submitted by the Ministry of the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works on 1.6.1998 and relevant literature).

I 8. Extent to which values and benefits derived from the site have decreased or changed.

There is an increasing trend of the four social values; the seven economic values that produce benefits after effort (except fishing) and the three economic values that produce benefit without effort seem to remain stable. The fishing value has decreased for the reasons mentioned previously but may be rehabilitated to a certain degree through the implementation of sustainable management measures.

The biological value continues to be high despite adverse human interventions. Its rehabilitation to pre-1960 levels (real and presumed) seems technically and ecologically impossible whatever measures are taken. This is because certain key fauna habitats have already been lost or altered especially due to the installation of the irrigation network. On the other hand, suitable hydrological and agronomic management (uneconomical in the short-run in purely economic terms) of the irrigation network, may contribute to the increase in diversity of domesticated plants and animals and even wild fauna and flora. We do not know to what extent decision - makers have accepted that the rehabilitation of Mikri Prespa to a much older reference level is not only a utopia but also undesirable and that the immediate operational objective of rehabilitation should be stabilisation of the situation, with regard to the natural functions and the human population. Most probably, the first set of measures should aim at inhibiting meaningless negative actions and at ensuring that inhabitants remain in their homes and are guaranteed a satisfactory income from the cultivation of plants and the rearing of animals.

Survey, surveillance and monitoring projects are:

In the past, the School of Agriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki had made short-term efforts to survey the qualitative parameters of certain streams flowing into Mikri Prespa. The PPC had monitored the flow of the Agios Germanos stream.

It is perhaps useful to mention that the 1991 management study for the Prespa National Park (Kasioumis 1991) contains interesting monitoring proposals. The principles that should govern monitoring (as a management tool) in sites of the NATURA 2000 network are discussed in a recent study (Anagnostopoulou 1996) financed by the European Commission and the Ministries of Environment and of Agriculture.

It is implicit that the agency financing a project has its own internal evaluation procedure for data submitted by the implementing body. The data from project 6 are being processed by the Hellenic Ornithological Society and are sent to Wetlands International. The competent department of the central services of the Public Power Corporation in Athens processes the data from project 7.

None of the seven projects are linked to mechanisms of direct intervention. The information produced, generally contributes to the improvement of scientific knowledge of the area and clarifies certain management issues related to natural, agricultural and range ecosystems.

Particular reference should be made to the surveillance project for agricultural pesticide residues. Ever since the 1970s, the scientific postulation that the intensification of agriculture can lead to a dangerous accumulation of very toxic substances in the wetland biota has been put forth repeatedly. It is hoped that the results of the project will help to add suppressive measures, regarding the use of certain pesticides, to the preventive measures already in force, should that prove necessary.

Legal measures

The already powerful older legal protection framework (National Park, Wetland of International Importance) has been reinforced. The site is also an Important Bird Area, and in 1997 was proposed by the Greek State for inclusion in the European NATURA 2000 network – Code number GR 1340001.

Other special regulatory acts that have been published in favour of the protection of the environment concern hunting, drilling and water pumping, disposal of inert materials and waste disposal.

Measures for the improvement of scientific knowledge

During the current decade, a considerable number of research projects, concerning the natural environment directly or indirectly, have been carried out. It is worth mentioning that three doctoral theses have been completed (G. Catsadorakis, Dionisia Chatzilakou, Eleni Tryfon).

(Reference to all research work carried out during the current decade is beyond the scope of the present report).

Management measures

The management study for the Prespa National Park produced by an inter-disciplinary group co-ordinated by the ever memorable G.E. Hollis (1990) and the special study made by the same group which sought to answer key management questions (G.E.Hollis, 1989), constitute decisive points. These studies were based on previous shorter management studies (e.g. Pyrovetsi et al 1984, Catsadorakis 1988). An inter-ministerial group co-ordinated by K. Kasioumis (General Secretariat for Forests and the Natural Environment) improved the Hollis group study by adapting it to Greek legislation and practice. The Kasioumis study was not put into force officially. In 1997, the Prefecture of Florina assigned a Specific Environmental Study (in accordance with Law 1650) to the Argyropoulos consultancy. This is basically a management study and will contain the draft Presidential Decree for the zoning of the area, regulation of activities, etc. We presume that this study will be based on the Kasioumis study but that it will complete, improve and adapt it to current ecological, legal and social conditions.

Despite the fact that there is no official management plan yet, the Forestry Department of the Prefecture of Florina uses the Kasioumis study as a source of guidelines for the implementation of management measures.

The body responsible for the National Park (and therefore the wetland) continues to be the Forestry Service of the Prefecture of Florina. However, other prefecture services are responsible for certain management issues (e.g. agricultural, physical planning, archaeological). In 1997, a Preliminary Management Scheme was set up through a Programme Agreement that was signed by the Ministers of Environment and of Agriculture, by the services of the Western Macedonia Region and the Local Authorities. This scheme seeks to contribute, among others, to a more efficient co-ordination of management.

Information and awareness measures

Certain actions have been carried out in order to inform users about the natural resources of the Prespa area. Information included the need and the possibility to implement more sustainable practices that can contribute to the reduction of adverse effects on the wetland caused by production practices in the hydrological basin. Examples: the Agricultural University of Athens carried out a soil survey and a soil map was produced. The School of Agriculture of the University of Thessaloniki, in co-operation with the Florina Division of Agriculture organised a demonstration of more sustainable practices for farmers that lasted a few days.

The most important public awareness actions for inhabitants and visitors were carried out by the SPP. The dominant action was the setting up and the operation of two Information Centres. Furthermore, an archive/library for the Prespa area was created, educational material was produced, Environmental Education seminars were organised etc. In 1996, one of the most attractive books written until now about Greek wetlands (Catsadorakis 1996) was published.

Measures and projects under implementation

The main projects and measures implemented until now in the greater Prespa area that are expected, directly or indirectly, to positively affect the Mikri Prespa wetland are the following:

"Integrated programme for the protection and the promotion of the Prespes ecosystem".

(The project is being carried out in the Prespa National Park area. It includes the lakes of Mikri Prespa and Megali Prespa as well as part of their hydrological basin that is on Greek territory. It includes studies, projects, equipment and the implementation of measures in view of the promotion, the protection and the management of the area)

More specifically, it includes:

• The elaboration of a Specific Environmental Study
• The implementation of an information network through the construction of information offices and thematic information centres in the communities of Agios Germanos, Vrondero and Pyli
• Infrastructure projects (wooden pier for the community of Psarades)
• Forest management technical projects – Cleaning and marking of educational paths
• Publicity – Awareness – Information (Publication of informative brochures and printed material for visitors – Organisation of conferences)
• Design and implementation of a guarding - monitoring system for the natural environment

Financial framework: Operational Programme: "Environment" (Sub-programme 3: Management of the natural environment and natural resources, Measure 3.2. Creation of infrastructure for the management and the protection of important biotopes of the country)
Budget: 353.370.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Florina Development S.A.
Duration of project: 1997 to 1998

"Highland and cultural tourism" (Includes the whole Prefecture of Florina)

Financial framework: LEADER II (Agricultural Development Programme), Measure 6.
Budget: 49.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Florina Development S.A
Duration of project: 1-1-97 to 31-12-99

Furthermore, other potential projects proposed by the Prefecture for the five-year plan and that will be implemented when each body is financed, are the following (Study for the Development of the Prespa Area, Florina Development S.A., 5/1996):

"Elaboration of a study for crop pattern change"

Financial framework: LEADER II, INTERREG II, Operational Programme of the Ministry of Agriculture
Budget: 10.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation Body: Regional Council, Florina Association of Agricultural Co-operatives

"Creation of a model farm for the production of organic and conventional local products"

Financial framework: LEADER II, INTEREG II, Operational Programme of the Ministry of Agriculture, Own resources
Budget: 40.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Private individuals, Florina Association of Agricultural Co-operatives

"Levelling – cleaning in the northern zone of the irrigation network"

Financial framework: Regional Operational Programmes (PEP)
Budget: 60.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Land Reclamation Service of Florina Prefecture

"Study – construction of an irrigation network in the northern (high) zone"

Financial framework: Regional or National Operational Programmes
Budget: 100.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Land Reclamation Service of Florina Prefecture, Ministry of Agriculture

"Operation of the fish breeding station in Lake Mikri Prespa"

Financial framework: Fisheries Operational Programme, INTERREG II Community initiative
Budget: 30.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Florina Prefecture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

"Support for shoreline-riparian tourism"

Financial framework: INTERREG II, LEADER II, Development Law 2234/94, Own resources
Budget: 500.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Local Authorities, National Tourism Organisation, private individuals

"Control of the fluctuation of the water level of lakes Mikri Prespa and Megali Prespa using the waters of river Devol of Albania"’

Financial framework: Community initiative INTERREG II – PHARE
Budget: 300.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: -

 "Hydrogeological study on the axis of the complex of carstic lakes Mikri-Megali Prespa & Ochrida for the protection of ground and surface water".

Financial framework: INTERREG II – PHARE Community initiative
Budget: 800.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Florina Development S.A., Institute of Geological and Mining Exploration (IGME), Institute of Geology of Koritsa and the equivalent Institute of Skopje.

"Elaboration of an integrated management study for effluents in the study area".

Financial framework: Regional Operational Programme
Budget: 15.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Regional Council, Prefecture of Florina

"Realisation of infrastructure projects for the protection and the contribution to development (wooden piers, projects to safeguard the water level limits in lake Mikri Prespa, Centre for Protection and Medical Care of Fauna"

Financial framework: Operational Programme: "Environment", Community initiative INTERREG II – PHARE, LEADER II, Own resources
Budget: 250.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Body entrusted with the implementation of the Prespa development programme, Prefecture of Florina, Ministry for the Environment, Florina Forestry Service, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Regional Council

The general legal framework for protection has become stronger. Furthermore, certain prohibitive regulations have been adopted (e.g. about hunting).

The contribution of the under completion Specific Environmental Study to the clarification and the updating of regulations regarding uses is expected to be important.

The enforcement of prohibitions is not very efficient due to the forestry service’s shortage in personnel and resources. The personnel that has been employed recently by the Preliminary Management Scheme does not have any competence as far as policing is concerned but can act efficiently and prevent illegal activities by notifying the forestry service and the police; it can also denounce violators. It should be noted that in certain cases in the past a simple remark by researchers directed to "potential" violators has sufficed to avoid certain destructive actions. Totally efficient wardening in large natural areas requires dozens of wardens, which is not economically feasible. Even if it were, success depends on co-operation with the local population. Finally, the most important condition for the avoidance of harmful actions is increase awareness of the local public. Progress has been made in this area during the past years.

Scientific knowledge about the wetland and the wider area has improved a lot during the current decade. However, priorities given to various research topics by various private and public financing bodies vary significantly. Priority was clearly in favour of natural ecosystems and particularly in favour of one feature, namely, avifauna. This is logical from one point of view because ornithologists and nature lovers were those who first "discovered", publicised internationally, and stressed the ecological interest of the area. On the other hand, much less attention was given to factors that safeguard or weaken, depending on particular manipulations, the lake’s biota. Even less attention has been given to social and economic issues.

The Pyrovetsi (1984) and Kasioumis (1991) studies recommended the adoption of more sustainable production practices for the man-made ecosystems in order to confront non point-source pollution at the place of origin. Inhabitants had agreed and had persistently asked to be trained in those more sustainable practices. The answers that they received consisted of generalities about the need to decrease agrochemicals etc. and wishful thinking. However certain concrete actions took place, such as a soil survey study (one of the main prerequisites for sustainable agriculture) carried out by the Agricultural University of Athens (Kosmas et al 1990) and a small research/ demonstration project, carried out by the School of Agriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Veresoglou et al 1990). None of the projects had a follow-up and only certain results of the second one were applied. Later on others were carried out and additional efforts are still being made e.g. a research project for the management of wet meadows - reedbeds by the introduction of buffaloes (SPP, School of Forestry and the Natural Environment of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Tour du Valat), project for organic cultivation of dry beans. The second project, although the most successful organic farming project that has been carried out until today in the hydrological basins of Greek wetlands (A.Gerakis et al 1998) can contribute very little to the mitigation of non point-source agricultural pollution. The peculiar rules for organic farming cannot possibly be applied (it may even be unwanted to) as such to a large part of the cultivated area. A realistic approach is the wise use of chemicals and other means of production according to the principles on which the research/ demonstration project of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was based. The under implementation project for the "Creation of a model farm for the production of organic and conventional local products" of the Florina Association of Agricultural Co-operatives seems also to be following these principles.

The elaboration of certain social and economic research projects should be considered as a positive development. As an example, we mention a number of studies, which are pioneering for Greek natural areas. Some were carried out by the Biology Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and directly or indirectly refer to the Prespa area (Daoutopoulos and Pyrovetsi 1990, Pyrovetsi and Daoutopoulos 1989, 1991, 1997) and another one analyses the irrigation network (Psychoudakis et al 1995). The study to be carried out on crop pattern change is also a positive action.

Knowledge of the area’s hydrology is incomplete (e.g. the precise water balance of Mikri Prespa is still unknown). The relevant projects that are in the process of implementation, will add somewhat to existing knowledge but a lot of work remains to be done in order to comprehend the wetland’s hydrological functions. The rehabilitation-restoration of wetland systems requires first of all the rehabilitation-restoration of functions that depend mainly on hydrology. This principle has started to be applied by the Prefecture of Florina through the support of the relevant studies.

The fact that no management plan or body have yet been officially instituted for the National Park, constitutes, according to many Greek scientists, a large obstacle to the protection of nature. We do not fully share this view because experience in Greece has shown that officially approved plans and appointed management bodies might be helpful but are not a panacea. In the specific case, measures have been taken and are being taken (even though far from ideal) and it is not because of the lack of an official plan that no further measures are taken. There is a strong body (the Florina forestry service) that would have taken many more actions if it had more personnel and other means. We believe that a complicated management body, such as the ones visualised by certain scientists in the past, would perhaps cause more administrative problems than the ones they would solve. A more realistic solution would be to set up a special forestry service for the National Park, in whose decision-making the local inhabitants would participate.

It may not be superfluous to repeat our view that plans, delineations, laws, regulations and advanced organisational structures seem nice on paper, enhance knowledge and creative thinking and of course are helpful. However, their value would not be greater than the value of the ink used for writing them if previously the inhabitants had not been informed and made aware, in order not only to approve their implementation but also to co-operate actively. From 1991 until today, progress has been observed in the attitude of inhabitants towards the sustainable development of natural and agricultural ecosystems and their participation in positive actions. Progress is expected to be even greater after the completion of various actions foreseen by the project "Integrated programme for the protection and promotion of the Prespes ecosystem".

The ecological, economic and social conditions prevailing in 1998 in the greater Prespa area can be understood more fully by referring to important events of its history since the Second World War. This period can be divided into the following periods:

1940-1949

Second World War followed by foreign occupation and the civil war. The inhabitants suffered a lot. Many moved to Greek urban centres and abroad to seek refuge from battles. Primitive use of natural resources, but minimal adverse effects on the natural environment because the input of subsidiary energy in the agricultural, range and other ecosystems was low. Lack of mechanisation and irrigation network.

Very low standard of living and lack of basic education, communication and health services. In general, miserable living conditions in comparison to other agricultural areas of the country.

A high percentage of the area covered today by the irrigation network was covered by natural vegetation.

1950-1961

A period without battles but characterised by very severe defence measures. The area, like all frontier areas, was under military control and the entry of visitors was regulated. Return of many refugees and slow population increase that never reached before war levels. Improvement in social services was slow and limited. Primitive methods of exploitation of natural resources gradually started being replaced, with the help of government subsidies, by modern ones e.g. beginning of mechanisation of farming, shortening of land fallow period through the use of chemical fertilisers. The number of grazing animals increased and fishing was intensified. The biodiversity of the wetland and the agricultural economy started to be documented by visiting scientists.

The inhabitants are relieved of malaria thanks to DDT the side effects of which were not known yet.

Living standards were much lower than in other rural areas of Greece such as the plains of Thessaloniki and Serres where the adoption of new technologies and the implementation of development projects were more intensive and wider. The most serious obstacle to the economic development of the area was perhaps the inability to use irrigation water.

It should be strongly stressed that the first thing the Greek State attended to (in fact the entire Greek society) during this period was the poverty stricken, diminished through wars casualties and diseases, population, by employing all methods considered as exemplary at an international level. This fact sufficed to place low priorities on many of the wetland values with no direct economic usefulness. Many of these values were not even known at the time. Even the terms ecosystem, wetland and wetland functions/ values were unknown. It was not therefore a paradox that the State allowed and even subsidised the extermination of any non-game species of wild animal that was suspected to cause damage to farmers or fishermen.

Therefore, the fact that Mikri Prespa, until the beginning of the 1960s, was a paradise for wild life was due (a) to inaccessibility (b) to military security rules and (c) to the lack of subsidiary energy inputs in the ecosystems apart from the human labour in the fields and the animals used for transportation and cultivation of the land.

1962-1974

This period was the most crucial in the history of the area’s natural environment because of two series of events.

The first one is composed of the following: (a) the inflow into the ecosystems of plentiful subsidiary energy e.g. chemical fertilisers, improved animal and plant genotypes, modern agrochemicals, use of machines (in agriculture, forestry, fishing), irrigation water. (b) better access (opening and paving of roads, increase in the number of cars). (c) the operation of a cannery for the processing of fish and vegetables and the operation of a quarry. (d) the construction of buildings for schools, public services, storage of products etc. The project that radically changed the landscape and the economy of the area was the irrigation network that was constructed in the lower zone east of the wetland. This network facilitated the inflow of the aforementioned forms of subsidiary energy and increased drastically the income of many inhabitants.

The second series of events consists of the increase in the number of ecological studies and the identification of the area’s biodiversity, mostly that of the avifauna. Most important was the declaration of the area as a National Park in 1974.

The most important characteristic of this period was that the projects and actions in favour of Man were planned without consideration for Nature. For example, natural vegetation from valuable wetland areas (later proved to be unsuitable for cultivation) was cleared, roads were constructed without protecting slopes from erosion, the cultivation of plants, animal rearing, fishing and hunting were carried out as if no natural ecosystems of unique importance were at close proximity. The cannery was built very close to the wetland and without making sure that an efficient treatment system for its effluents was put into operation etc.

On the other hand, projects and actions in favour of Nature did not always considered Man’s needs. Some of the wildlife specialists and nature lovers expressed their concern publicly but only for matters concerning the breeding and feeding of birds. They said little about demographic decline and poverty. Unfortunately, the inhabitants were informed of the views of this small group of well-meaning scientists and nature lovers and this coincided with the sudden declaration of the area as a National Park. Naturally, the inhabitants believed that these views would be adopted by the State so they began to be opposed to the various conservation projects and measures, despite the fact that they were, and still are, proud about the natural splendour of their homeland.

1975-1981

This period is characterised by even greater care for the inhabitants on behalf of the State and the intensification of the interest of researchers and nature lovers in the natural environment of the area. The legal framework for the protection of nature, enforced through the inclusion of Lake Mikri Prespa on the List of Wetlands of International Importance, caused the intensification of the negative attitude of many inhabitants towards certain proposals in favour of nature protection. Most inhabitants were already convinced that they would be asked to pay the price of environmental protection measures and that others decided for them in their absence.

During this period, the first adverse effects of conventional views on economic development started to appear both on the natural ecosystems (e.g. loss of habitats, loss of biodiversity) and the landscape and agricultural ecosystems (e.g. monoculture, difficulties in crop protection, marketing problems). The cannery closed down because there was insufficient raw material. Despite the fact that the competent civil service had boasted that "in the place of shrubs and swamps" (that is "wetland equals to wasteland" according to the old Greek, but also international view) "we now created an irrigated plain that thrives with life", the problems of this irrigated plain increased and spread. At a later date, specialists pointed out errors in the design of the irrigation network and the adverse consequences of those errors both on natural and agricultural ecosystems.

During this period, the first views of ecologists on the causes of biodiversity problems in the area are expressed. Non point-source pollution was considered as the main culprit for the eutrophication of the lake but this was not sufficiently documented, even by simulation.

1982-1990

During this period, the Prespa area became even more popular at a national, European and international level for its biodiversity and landscape values and for its conservation problems and economic and social development issues. Following a proposal from the Greek State, the European Commission approved substantial funds for the co-financing of projects in the area, either aimed at economic development or the protection of nature. Some of the economic development projects appear to be reasonable and compatible with the preservation of nature (e.g. packaging unit for beans, development of agro-tourism, waste management, improvement of existing irrigation network). For other projects, scientists and NGOs have expressed serious objections versus their compatibility, their usefulness or the method of implementation (e.g. extension of irrigation network in the upper zone without adequate technical-economic study, cereal drying installation, construction of a fish breeding station in a rare wetland ecosystem). In 1982, General Directorate XI of the European Commission, as an answer to the concern of Greek and international NGOs, assigned the preparation of an integrated environmental study of the Prespa National Park to an interdisciplinary group (University of Thessaloniki and Tour du Valat). The study group comprised of the following: Myrto D. Pyrovetsi (project co-ordinator), A. Crivelli, P.A. Gerakis, M. Karteris, G. Kastro and N. Komninos. This is probably the first study in Greece to adopt a joint consideration of the sustainability of natural and man-made ecosystems, the promotion of positive interactions between the two types of ecosystem and the integration of nature protection and the satisfaction of people’s economic and social needs. The study was accepted with suspicion by certain responsible services and by nearly all local residents. This does in no way constitute a reproach for civil servants and the residents, since the former were applying a development policy that had not yet begun to integrate the environmental dimension, whereas the latter, concerned about their economic survival, did not have the technical knowledge nor the time to understand concepts that were new even to many scientists. Besides, they were already suspicious, rightly or wrongly is not important, of the "real intentions of ecologists".

The proposals of the Pyrovetsi et al (1984) study were ignored and the projects were carried out as originally planned. However, the packaging unit, the cereal drying installation and the fish breeding station were not put into operation. The irrigation network was extended and improved somewhat but during excavations no attention was given to the reduction of damage to avifauna. Another large scientific group co-ordinated by M. Bonazoundas (1988) continued part of the Pyrovetsi study concerning non point-source agricultural pollution. For the first time in Greece, Bonazoundas adopted modern approaches to the issue (e.g. simulation of pollution processes). This study was also ignored. Other studies documenting the area’s natural ecosystems were undertaken. Most important was the one produced by the Katsadorakis group (1988).

The opposition of the majority of the local people to any type of intervention that could entail restrictions or even harmless regulations for production and housing activities increased. In 1987, the World Wide Fund for Nature, in co-operation with the Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage and other agencies organised an open two-day meeting with the inhabitants. Many local people attended the meeting but they were not convinced by the arguments of the ecologists. Their position may be summarised as follows: "You only remember us because of the birds. None of you care about our problems. You present many inaccuracies about the way we practice agriculture and animal farming. We love nature, we protect it ourselves but we do not agree with anything that would lead to more restrictions than in other rural parts of Greece".

In 1989, on its own initiative and with its own funds, the World Wide Fund for Nature set up an interdisciplinary group co-ordinated by the ever-memorable G.E.Hollis. This group, with the approval and supervision of an inter-ministerial group represented by K. Kasioumis, drafted a preliminary management plan for the National Park. The preliminary plan was based to a large extent on the previous studies of Pyrovetsi, Bonazoundas, Katsadorakis etc. The inter-ministerial committee improved the plan, adapted it to Greek legislation and practice and presented it to the inhabitants’ representatives for discussion. The inhabitants did not accept it protesting that they had not been addressed previously (which was true). They stated that they would not allow the institution of any management plan that did not have their full approval. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the management of the National Park, as in the past, is exercised by the Forestry Service of the Prefecture of Florina. There is no instituted plan but the Forestry Service follows as much as possible the principles and the philosophy of the Kasioumis plan.

In 1990, a group of scientists from the School of Agriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (experts in ecology, crop production and crop protection) undertook the implementation of a small research/demostration project in view of helping the Prespa farmers to solve crop farming problems.

The project was a success but unfortunately it had no follow up due to lack of funds. The philosophy of the project was "primarily to assist inhabitants in solving their subsistence problems and secondly to inform them about the need to protect nature". The inhabitants had accepted the presence of the scientists and many admitted the practical benefits reaped.

1991-1998

An environmental NGO, named Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP), was created at the initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature that also provided most of the funding. This Society consists of Greek and foreign environmental organisations and two scientific institutions. The SPP did not ask representatives of the inhabitants to participate. However, it employed inhabitants who participated in its activities. When the SPP was first set up, it gave much greater priority to Nature rather than to Man.

During the first years of operation, the SPP was confronted with strong opposition from part of the local inhabitants for the aforementioned reasons. Gradually, however, more and more locals changed their attitude from negative to tolerant, or even friendly. Fruitful co-operation between the SPP and the inhabitants was achieved.

Today, government services give greater attention to the problems of the natural environment of Prespa than in previous periods (see I.11). An example is the Specific Environmental Study for the Prespa area (virtually a management plan). The attitude of the inhabitants towards this study cannot be evaluated easily. However, it does not seem to be negative as in the past, in the case of the Pyrovetsi and Kasioumis studies.

During this period, certain harmful interventions in the natural environment and the landscape of the greater area were noted. The most painful incident perhaps was vandalism in the form of damage of nests of aquatic birds. It should be noted, however, that the inhabitants did not approve this incident. The landscape of the terrestrial part of the Park has suffered alteration to a certain extent by certain badly positioned and designed buildings.

It is generally acceptable that, when inhabitants who live near a wetland are determined to protect it, no human force can destroy it. Some examples are the sources of Aravisos in the Prefecture of Pella and the Stavronikitas marsh (or Kassandra prisons or N. Fokea) in Halkidiki. The opposite is also true. That is, when local people are not interested in their wetland or wish to alter it, in order to achieve real (or fictitious) short-term benefits, it is very difficult for the government of a democratic country to be able to enforce continuous and effective protection. The protection of biotic and abiotic wetland resources that are valuable for the local economy cannot be safeguarded by police measures but only with the consent of the local population. Naturally, consent is not obtained solely by demonstrating the importance of flora and fauna. Specific assistance for the improvement of the living conditions of inhabitants is more helpful.

The above historical flashback, although necessarily brief, reveals the errors made both by nature lovers and those responsible for the economic development of the area. No other natural area in Greece has perhaps been given so much attention by ecologists, environmental NGOs and government services. However, past errors in tactics and psychology brought about an attitude that varied from simple reservation to open refusal. Even the government services responsible for the natural environment had not shown the necessary patience and persistence during their contacts with the inhabitants. On the other hand, those responsible for the economic development of the area committed series of errors in the planning and implementation of projects despite the fact that the Greek State looked after the Prespa area more than any other highland areas with access difficulties. These errors did not help to obtain consent from local inhabitants.

The recent gradual change in the attitude of the Prespa population in favour of conservation measures which is observed today thanks to government projects, despite past errors, is one of the most important arguments in favour of the removal of the site from the Montreux Record. Very few inhabitants know that their homeland is "black listed" by "strange ecologists". The notification of a possible decision to remain on the "Black List" would bring about disappointment that would perhaps lead to regression.

We believe that the escalating problems in crop and animal farming are of great importance to the future of nature conservation in the Prespa area. At any cost the farming and fishing character of the area should be maintained and issues related to sustainable production practices should be approached with realism. The area is threatened by further demographic decline that can only cause damage to the natural environment.

The management plans for the natural ecosystems, precise delineations, a reinforced legal status, comply forms of management bodies and public awareness campaigns are all useful but they are not substitutes for the presence of a consenting population that has lived in the area for at least 4000 years.

The committee notes that:

1. The Mikri Prespa wetland has difficulties in preserving its structural and functional characteristics, due to a series of errors made especially in the past but also more recently. These errors contributed to the failure to obtain consent from the local population as regards measures in favour of nature conservation.

2. During the past years, central government services, local authorities and non-governmental bodies have taken many positive actions which, although they have not managed fully to counterbalance the forces of negative change, give rise to a certain optimism.

3. In our view, the most important and hopeful positive development observed today is the gradual change in the attitude of the local population. Inhabitants are more positive towards many protection measures for natural ecosystems and the sustainable management of agro-ecosystems. The development of ecotourism during the last years assists protection because the inhabitants realise the need to preserve biodiversity and naturalness that attract a large number of visitors.

4. At local and Prefecture level, the inclusion of Mikri Prespa in the Montreux Record has had absolutely no effect on the promotion of nature protection. Neither did it stop harmful interventions. On the contrary, it is most probable that the removal of Mikri Prespa from the list and notification of such a resolution will contribute to a certain extent to further improvement of the favourable attitude of the local population.

The committee proposes, with no reservation, that Mikri Prespa be removed from the Montreux Record.

If this proposal is accepted, the committee is of the opinion that the respective resolution should be worded very carefully. On the one hand, it should explain the progress that has been achieved. On the other hand, the problems and chances for rehabilitation of wetland functions and values should be set forth in their correct dimension.

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

(The following sources are interesting but we do not believe that they are necessarily the most important. Some are not mentioned in the report despite the fact that they were taken into account).

Adamus, P.R., E.J. Clairain, Jr., R.D. Smith, and R.E. Young. 1987. Wetland evaluation technique (WET). US Army Corps of Engineers and Federal Highway Administration. Washington DC. 206 p.

Anagnostopoulou, Maria (editor). 1996 Monitoring Guide for sites of the «NATURA 2000» Network. Goulandris Natural History Museum – Greek Biotope/ Wetland Centre. Thermi. 163 pp.

Bonazoundas, Ì. (project co-ordinator). 1988. Environmental impact of the under construction irrigation network on Lake Mikri Prespa - Prefecture of Florina. Phase One: Preliminary evaluation of the impact of the network, Polytechnic and Agricultural Universities of Athens. (In Greek)

Bonazoundas, Ì., D. Kallidromitou, and D. Karakatsoulis. 1987. Environmental impact of irrigation network of Lake Mikri Prespa: Preliminary assessment. Ministry of National Economy, Environmental Policy and Development DEK.

Catsadorakis G. and M. Scoullos. Prespa National Park - A guide for visitors. Hellenic Society.

Catsadorakis G. 1988. Prespa National Park, Prefecture of Florina. Data for setting the boundaries of protected zones (according to Community Directive 409/1979). The Friends of Prespa. Athens. 61 pp.+ maps. (In Greek)

Catsadorakis, G.1990. Bio-communities of passerine birds in Prespa (Florina, Western Macedonia). Doctoral thesis. Department of Biology, University of Athens 238 pp. (In Greek)

Catsadorakis, G. 1991. Bird species that have become extinct and others threatened with extinction from Prespa National Park. Nature (Bull. of the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature) 55:21-25.

Catsadorakis, G. 1995. Texts of the Prespa Information Centre. SPP. Agios Germanos. 125 pp. (In Greek)

Catsadorakis, G. 1996. Prespa, a story about Nature and Man, WWF, SPP. National Bank of Greece. 196 pp. (In Greek)

Catsadorakis G., Ì. Malakou and A.J. Crivelli. 1996. Barbus prespensis, Karaman 1924, in the Prespa basin, Northwestern Greece. Publication of Ôour du Valat. Arles. 79 pp.

Chatzilakou, Dionisia, 1992. Study of the reproductive biology of the White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus L., 1758) in lake Mikri Prespa. Doctoral thesis. Department of Biology, University of Athens. 213 pp. (In Greek)

Daoutopoulos, G.A. and M.D. Pyrovetsi. 1990, Comparison of conservation attitudes among fishermen in three protected lakes in Greece. Journal of Environmental Management 31:83-92.

Dimalexis, Á. (in progress). The ecology of herons in Prespes and Kerkini (provisional title). Doctoral thesis, Department of Biology, University of Thessaloniki. (In Greek)

Economidis, P.S. 1991. Check list of freshwater fishes of Greece. Recent status of threats and protection. Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature. Athens.

Gerakis, A. and K.Kalburtji. 1998. Agricultural activities affecting the functions and values of Ramsar wetland sites. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment 70:119-128.

Gerakis, A., K.Kalburji, and S.Tsiouris. 1998. The role of organic farming in the sustainable development of watershed resources of Greece. p.639-644. In: Sustainable agriculture for food, energy and industry. Proceedings of an International Conference held in Braunschweig, Germany in 22-28 June 1997 organised by FAO, Indian Society for Sustainable Agriculture and Resource Management, and the Federal Agricultural Research Centre of Germany. James and James (Science Publishers) Ltd.

Grimmet, R.F.A. and T.A. Jones (compilers).1989. Important Bird Areas in Europe. International Council of Bird Preservation (ICBP), Technical Publication No 9.

Hatzilakou, D. 1993. The distribution of the globally endangered Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus Bruch.) in Greece. Threats pertaining to its habitats and recommendations for protection. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. 219 pp.

Hellenic Ornithological Society. 1994. Important Bird Areas of Greece – Acquaintance with the important biotopes of Greece. Special publication. Athens. 272 pp. (In Greek)

Hellenic Ornithological Society. 1997. Revision of Important Areas for the Birds of Greece. (SPPE 1997). Athens. (In Greek)

Hollis, G.E. 1989. Five research studies on Prespa National Park. WWF International, Gland, Switzerland. 108 p.

Hollis, G.E. 1990 Management plan for Prespa National Park. Third draft. WWF International, Gland, Switzerland.

Karteris, M.A. and M.Pyrovetsi. 1986. Land cover/use analysis of Prespa National Park. Greece. Environmental Conservation. 13: 319-330.

Kasioumis, Ê. 1991. Management Study for the Prespa National Park. General Secretariat for Forests and Natural Environment. (In Greek)

Kosmas, K., N. Moustakas, V. Tsatiris, and N. Danalatos. 1990. Evaluation of soil resources of the Prespa region, Greece. Agricultural University of Athens. Final Report to CEC, DG.XI. 145p. + maps

Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works. 1998. Information sheet on Lake Mikri Prespa. Athens. 8 p.

Psychoudakis, A.G., S. Psychoudaki-Papoutsi, and A.M.M. McFarquhar. 1995. An economic assessment of an irrigation project affecting a Greek wetland. Wetlands Ecology and Management 3:225-232.

Pyrovetsi, M.D. 1984. Ecodevelopment in Prespa National Park, Greece. Ph.D. dissertation. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan USA.

Pyrovetsi, M.D. (project manager). 1990. Conservation and management of the biotopes of the Dalmatian Pelican. Pelecanus crispus, in Northern Greece. Report prepared for the CEC (DG XI) Thessaloniki.

Pyrovetsi, M.D. & A.J. Crivelli. 1988. Habitat use by waterbirds in Prespa National Park, Greece. Biological Conservation 45: 135-153.

Pyrovetsi, M.D. (project manager), A.J. Crivelli, P.A. Gerakis, M.A. Karteris, E.P. Kastro, and N. Komninos. 1984. Integrated environmental study of Prespa National Park, Greece. Commission of the European Communities DG XI E(83) 1935/17-PMI/183/83 GR. Thessaloniki, Greece.

Pyrovetsi, M.D. and G.Daoutopoulos. 1989. Conservation related attitudes of lake fishermen in Greece, Environmental Conservation 16:245-258.

Pyrovetsi, M.D. and G.Daoutopoulos. 1991. Educational response to differences in environmental attitudes among lake fishermen. Landscape and Urban Planning 20:167-172.

Pyrovetsi, M.D. and G.Daoutopoulos. 1997. Contrast in conservation attitudes and agricultural practices between farmers operating in wetlands and a plain in Macedonia, Greece. Environmental Conservation 24: 76-82

Pyrovetsi, M.D. and P.A.Gerakis. 1987. Environmental problems from practicing agriculture in Prespa National Park, Greece, The Environmentalist 7: 35-42.

Pyrovetsi, M. and M. Karteris. 1986. Forty-year land cover/use changes in Prespa National Park, Greece. Journal of Environmental Management 23: 173-183

Sakoulis Á. and Å. Bourdakis. 1998. Evaluation of population trends of avifauna in Greek Ramsar wetlands (a first approach). Hellenic Ornithological Society, Athens. (In Greek)

Scoullos, M. and G. Katsadorakis. 1987. Prespa National Park - Significance - Management - Conservation. Hellenic Society.

Scoullos, M and J. Hatjianestis. 1989. Dissolved and particulate trace metals in a wetland of international importance: Lake Mikri Prespa, Greece. Water air soil pollution 44: 307-320.

Scoullos, M and J. Hatjianestis. 1990. Trace metals in sediment cores of Mikri Prespa. Water pollution research report 20: 129-146.

Tryfon, Eleni. 1994. Structure and dynamics of phytoplankton populations in lake Mikri Prespa. Doctoral thesis. Department of Biology, University of Thessaloniki. 61 pp. + 10 maps. (In Greek)

Veresoglou, D., P.A. Gerakis, Ç. Elephtherohorinos, Kiriaki Kalbourji, Í. Barbayiannis and S.Å. Tsiouris. 1992. Techniques for the protection of wetlands form agricultural activities. School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. 104 pp. (In Greek)

Western Macedonia Development Agency (ÁÍÊÏ) Á.Å. 1995. Prespa Area Development Study. Florina. 4 vol. (In Greek)

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Greece). 1998. Comments on the Ramsar Information Sheets (RISs) for Greek Ramsar wetlands. (unpublished report).

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Greece), Hellenic Ornithological Society, SPP. 1998. National Action Plan for the protection of the Pygmy Cormorant in Greece. (First approach. Lakes Mikri and Megali Prespa, pp. 139-155). (LIFE project «Protection of the Pygmy Cormorant and the Lesser White-fronted Goose in Greece» (Contract number Â4-3200/96/499)). (In Greek)

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 16 November 2001, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.