The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

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

ANNEX IV – 3

COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE EVROS DELTA

MONTREUX RECORD – QUESTIONNAIRE

I 1. Name of site: Evros Delta

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

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

The above criteria are still valid.

1. Loss or serious degradation of some wetland habitats (e.g. Drana lagoon)

2. Change in hydrological regime and reduction in the inflow of fresh water

3. Water quality degradation due to the inflow of effluents and possibly of nutrients (N, P) into the wetland. Transboundary pollution

4. Degradation of wet meadow vegetation

5. Reduction in fish production due to overfishing during the previous years

6. Changes in avifauna

7. Disturbance from tourists visiting bird habitats

In the past, the Evros delta area was influenced by views about development and policies that prevailed throughout the world during the first decades after the Second World War. Efforts made by the Greek State to help the inhabitants of the Evros frontier area were focused on the exploitation of the wetland’s potential. The preservation of the crop and animal farming character of the area as a means to maintain the population in their villages became a national policy of high priority.

Changes in the ecological character of the wetland that occurred with the passage of time are due to this policy.

a) Wetland areas were lost due to drainage works that took place in 1950 - 1970. Draining included the construction of ditches and dikes. The usage of certain areas changed completely. On 24/4/97, an effort was made by the inhabitants of the community of Anthia to drain an area west of the Loutros torrent by opening a canal through which fresh water is discharged to the sea a) The objective was to use the area for cultivation. Other efforts to drain this area were made in the past. This area, which retains fresh water, functions as an intermediary buffer water barrier between cropland and the sea. It also constitutes a suitable habitat for the Lesser Slender – billed Curlew. Burning of the reedbeds affect avifauna populations negatively.

b) As will be analysed below, other factors also played a role in the degradation of habitats but the most critical one was the change in the hydrological regime.

Draining carried out between 1950 and 1970 caused important hydrological changes in the delta. Fresh water from river Evros was used for the irrigation of areas in Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey. The current hydrological regime is characterised by limited inflow of fresh water into the lagoons, seasonal flooding of the areas near the main canals and seasonal intrusion of seawater inwards to the delta. The three earthen dikes in the area do not cope with this situation efficiently. It should be noted that there is an extensive network of fresh water drillings in the area. During the past years, their depth has occasionally exceeded 100 m.

c) The quality of surface and ground water in the area has been affected mainly by industrial and urban waste originating from the neighbouring countries. Industrial activity in this part of Greece is low. Incidents of transboundary pollution are a permanent threat and many discussions have been carried out in order to find a way of tackling this threat. Specifically, the river receives industrial waste from the following areas in Bulgaria: Filipoupolis, Pzardik, Dimitrovgard, Stara Zagora, Karlovo, Slatika, Kardzali, Madan, Madzarovo, and Topolovgrad. It is suspected that there is also non-point source agricultural pollution in the area. During the past years, the quantity of pollutants arriving from Bulgaria was markedly reduced due to the economic decline occurring in that country. Effluents originating from Turkey also enter the river. Pollutants in Greece are: domestic waste from the towns of Orestiada, Soufli, and Didimotiho, and from the sugar factory in Orestiada.

d) Grazing is a traditional activity but it is carried out in an uncontrolled manner. In 1996, foot-and-mouth disease and smallpox led to the slaughtering of animals in the delta. According to the first part of the study for the management of grazing lands, the total number of animals in 1998 was 3240 cattle, 1725 goats and 3460 sheep. However, due to animal diseases, many animals possibly remained in their pens. There are signs of vegetation degradation at various locations in the delta.

e) Overfishing during the past years has led to a reduction in fish production.

f) Sakoulis and Bourdakis (1998), referring to information provided by Grimmet and Jones (1989), Important Bird Areas for Greece (1997) and the Hellenic Zoological Society and Hellenic Ornithological Society (1992), mention that the drainage of Drana lagoon led to the abandonment of the Mediterranean Gull colony that consisted of 1000 pairs. However, in recent years the species has returned to the area with approximately 250 pairs. There had been 25-30 pairs of Spur – winged Plover at the end of the 60s; there were only 10 pairs in 1997. The Pygmy Cormorant has ceased to breed in the area since 1970 and the Glossy Ibis ceased to breed in 1975. A reduction is observed in the total populations of wintering birds. (see following table)

Changes in the populations of wintering waterfowl in the Evros Delta area, for three periods (averages) are presented in the following table.

Populations (X 1000)

Species	1968 – 74	1982 - 86	1995 - 96
Anas platyrhynchos	11,5	2,9	15,2
Anas crecca	20,1	2,2	17,8
Anas penelope	32,8	15,6	9,3
Anas acuta	26,1	13,2	7,7
Fulica atra	16,1	13,2	7,7
Tadorna tadorna	0,2	0,4	1,2
Anas strepera	0,7	0,1	0,45
Anas clypeata	0,8	2,8	1,9
Cygnus olor	0,15	0,5	0,3
Total above species	108,45	50,9	61,8
Total aquatic (geese, ducks, swans & Coots)	127,4	72,6	65,5

Source: Sakoulis and Bourdakis (1998)

g) Changes caused by draining are mentioned in paragraph (a). As for hunting, the greatest concentration of hunters is recorded in December – January – February in Drana lagoon, which is a resting and feeding ground for geese.

h) The Municipality of Ferres has started a touristic programme in the delta area. Disturbance is caused by guided tours conducted with coaches and boats. Because no rules have been set for this type of tourism and there is insufficient knowledge, tourists usually enter strictly protected nesting sites by boat, often during the breeding period.

See Information Sheet submitted by the Ministry for the Environment on 1.6.1998

See Information Sheet submitted by the Ministry for the Environment on 1.6.1998

Maltby et al (1989) rate the probability for the various functions in the Evros delta to be performed as follows: High for a) support of wild fauna and fish b) sediment trapping and c) shore stabilisation. Medium for nutrient removal – transformation. Low for a) the supply of ground water and b) the modification of flood phenomena.

As for the values of the delta for Man and Nature, our rating is as follows:

Drinking water supply Expensive treatment installations would be necessary in order to use the water for drinking.

Irrigation Large areas of agricultural land are irrigated with water from river Evros. These areas are situated in the three countries crossed by the river: Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria.

Fisheries The coastal zone and the lagoons are particularly important for fisheries. The shallow area of the delta plays an important role in the reproduction of fish.

Animal farming Grazing is a traditional activity in the area and carries a very high social value. It also plays a very important role in the functioning of the ecosystem.

Biological Despite the pressure to which it is subjected, the wetland hosts a large variety of habitats and a high number of species. All plant communities that occur in Mediterranean wetlands are present in the delta. Sand dune vegetation occurs mainly in the western part and the islets of the coastal zone. Salt marshes are found throughout the area, playing a vital role for birds and fish. Their role in the hydrology of the area is of paramount importance. Juncus communities grow at the interface zones between seawater and freshwater. Moreover, along the upper part of the delta, there are remains of an older extensive riparian forest composed of Alder (Alnus glutinosa), willows (Salix spp.) etc. that hosts numerous animal species. The natural ecosystems of the delta are in direct contact with agricultural land. In the upland area north of the delta, there are areas of phrygana, oak or pine.

Over 350 plant species have been recorded in the Evros delta and along the river. Six of these are characterised as rare in Greece or protected species.

According to the Hellenic Ornithological Society, the biological value of the delta is due mainly to three factors:

1. very favourable geographic location in relation to the major bird migration routes of Western Palearctic,
2. relatively mild winters,
3. difficult access and isolation of the area, at least until a few years ago.

The area has a very high ornithological value. As a bird habitat, it functions in three basic ways (Hellenic Ornithological Society 1988):

1. As a habitat for nesting or feeding for numerous groups of birds
2. As a habitat for wintering of large waterfowl populations from the northern parts of mainly central and eastern Europe
3. As a meeting and resting place for important numbers of migratory birds during their movements from and to the Middle East and Africa.

At least 304 out of the 407 birds of Greece have been recorded in the delta. Despite the fact that populations have decreased since the 1970s, many of the species observed are rare not only in Greece and in southeastern Europe but also in the entire Western Palearctic zone.

Fish fauna is also very important. Out of the 46 species of fish recorded, 5 are included in Annex II of directive 92/43/EEC. The same holds for 8 of the 28 amphibians and reptiles recorded in the area and for 2 of the 40 mammals.

Topoclimatic The existence of such an extensive river system plays a regulatory role for the climate of the greater area.

Scientific Several research studies and programmes are dealing with the various sectors of the local ecology.

Educational The delta constitutes an ideal place for environmental education. The variety of habitats offers possibilities for nature observation and information about the natural environment as well as the coexistence of Man and Nature.

Recreational There are many opportunities for walking, photography, and nature observation because the area offers landscapes of outstanding beauty which are accessible by visitors. A tourism programme by the Municipality of Ferres is already running in the Evros delta.

Water quality improvement: It varies from low to high depending on location.

All values still exist and are important for the area. Some of these have been enhanced and others have degraded.

The biological value continues to be outstanding despite adverse human intervention. Its importance is perhaps greater than it had been in the previous years because of environmental degradation in the wider European area. On the other hand, the decrease in bird populations in relation to the 1970s, causes concern. During the 1990s, an increase in the population of some species was observed. We do not know whether this can be attributed to the positive measures taken in the area or to adverse changes in other wetlands.

There are no signs that the hydrological values, the topoclimatic value and the water quality improvement value have changed.

The recreational value is increasing due to a more widespread interest in spending leisure time in natural areas and also due to increased environmental awareness.

The same is true for values that are related to science and education.

Fisheries value has decreased but remains important for the local economy.

Animal farming value remains stable and will possibly increase due to reduced grazing (animal diseases).

The following surveys, surveillance and monitoring projects are being carried out:

Project	Object	Implementation
1. LIFE II programme. Protection of the Pygmy Cormorant and Lesser White-fronted Goose in Greece	Pygmy Cormorant populations, use of habitats, wetland problems	WWF, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Society for the Protection of Prespa
2. Monitoring programme for quality of waters in which aquatic organisms live and feed	Monitoring of water of lakes, lagoons, sea	Department of Fisheries of Evros Prefecture.
3. Quality control and analyses of water from transboundary rivers in Thrace	Monitoring of surface fresh water	Alexandroupolis Chemical Service, Min. of Environment, General Chemical Laboratory of the Greek Government.
4. Protection of the Slender-billed Curlew		General Secretariat for Forests and the Natural Environment.
5. Bird censuses	Waterfowl populations	Hellenic Ornithological Society
6. Suitability of the soil for the cultivation of the area surrounding the Drana lagoon		EKBY, WWF

For many years, WWF Greece, the Hellenic Ornithological Society and other NGOs have concentrated their interest in the Evros delta area. During 1990-1996, WWF included the Evros delta in the Red Alert project in order to avoid further degradation of the area. It co-operates with public bodies, local communities, wetland users and other NGOs. Scientists settled in the area, recorded every action that threatened the wetlands and informed the competent services. At the same time, the local population was informed about wetland conservation issues through various actions.

Naturally, the body financing the project is the first one to evaluate the results obtained by the implementing body. Data from project 5 are processed by the Hellenic Ornithological Society and are sent to Wetlands International.

Data from project 1 are published periodically in mid-term progress reports by WWF Greece and the data are made available to all interested parties. Results will be forwarded to the civil services involved with the protection of the area in order to be used in future management planning.

Data from project 3 will be used for planning ways of confronting or preventing pollution from Greece and neighbouring countries.

Information gathered contributes in a more general way to the improvement of scientific knowledge of the area, clarifies certain issues of compatibility among existing uses and important values of the area.

Legal measures

• On 27/4/1998 a Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) was published concerning the definition of protection measures for the wetland and the natural formations in the Evros estuary and the greater area.
• Part of the site is a game refuge.
• It is a wetland of international importance (Ramsar Convention)
• It is a Specially Protected Area (Barcelona Convention), an Important Bird Area for Greece and a Special Protection Area (Directive 79/409/EEC)
• In 1997, the Greek State proposed the site for inclusion in the NATURA 2000 European Network; Code Number: GR 1110001.

Measures to improve scientific knowledge

Monitoring and conservation programmes mentioned resulted in the improvement of scientific knowledge about the site. Their continuation ensures the continuous flow of scientific data and contributes to the understanding of wetland functions.

Management measures

The Joint Ministerial Decision divides the area into three zones and certain uses are either permitted or prohibited in each zone. Many neighbouring locations that are considered to have important characteristics are also included in this Decision. A zone for controlled activities is foreseen around the wetland that is composed mainly of cropland and rangeland.

Following the signing of the Programme Agreement in 1997, a preliminary management scheme with wide participation started to operate in the area. Secretarial support is provided by EVROS LTD, (the local Development Agency.) The Programme Agreement includes an annex with planned projects and activities, timetables and budgets. Priority actions include small-scale management interventions, personnel training, infrastructure for fishermen, crop management, range management, the organisation of tourism, the operation of an information centre. Management studies for the site have been or are being carried out.

Furthermore, the implementation of the restoration project for Drana lagoon is expected to begin. According to our information, the decision for the restoration has been taken, public consent has been obtained and funds are available. The delay is due to bureaucracy.

Range management will be planned according to the findings of the relevant study, which is currently under preparation.

Information and awareness measures

The WWF-Greece Red Alert project influenced the inhabitants’ attitude positively as regards the protection of the delta and made people realise the values of this ecosystem. The fact that all communities and municipalities that are situated around the wetland have formed an Association for the Protection and the Promotion of the Evros Delta is indicative of this positive attitude. The Association acts on their behalf for problems that might arise during the Programme Agreement time span.

There is an equipped Information Centre at one of the two entrance points to the site, at the village of Loutra. An eco-touristic centre has been set up at the other entrance point, in the town of Ferres. In the site there are also observation towers and guardhouses. This infrastructure supports activities of public information and awareness, environmental education, monitoring etc. Furthermore, special publications, videotapes and CD-ROMs are produced. Seminars and guided tours are organised for visitors and schools. Thus, many schools and researchers from Greek and foreign institutes or universities have visited the delta during the past years (Ministry for the Environment 1998). A five-member working group has been set up in order to run the Information Centre and organise awareness activities for wetland users, school children and the public.

Measures and projects under implementation

The main projects and measures that are under implementation today in the Evros Delta greater area are the following:

1) Specific Environmental Study

"Programme for handling specific environmental problems and system for the operation and management of the protected Evros Delta area and its greater area".

Within the framework of the programme, the following are proposed:

1. Protection and usage regulations based on a draft Presidential Decree in accordance with art. 19 of L. 1650/86 on the environment.
2. The following projects/ studies:

i) Application of management measures to animal farming and study for the construction of traditional indoor installations, watering places and tagging.

ii) Qualitative and quantitative management of water resources of the Greek part of the river Evros hydrological basin

Supervising body: Ministry for the Environment
Duration of project: The study group has completed phase A

2) "Expression of interest for undertaking a contract for the preparation of a supplementary study of the lower areas of the Evros Delta"

1. Preliminary and final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and final study of additional technical projects in tributaries and collector ditches of river Evros.

2. Programme for the spatial organisation of eco-tourism. Overall physical planning of eco-touristic activities in the Evros Delta and integration in the tourism network of the greater area.

3. Study for the local embankment projects in the downstream part of the existing alignment (embankment).

4. Study for the construction of communication links between the eastern part of the eastern dike and the western area.

5. Study for the construction of installations for fishery activities in Drana lagoon etc., and EIA.

6. Study for an environmental activities centre at the Topsi site in the Evros delta.

3) "Programme Agreement for the Operation of the Evros Delta Protected Area Infrastructure"

A body for managing and implementing projects and activities for the operation of the information centre, two observation towers and one guardhouse has been set up. The Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry for Agriculture have formed this body following the signing of a Programme Agreement with the municipalities/ communities located around the delta and the Evros Development Agency.

Supervising body: Ministry for the Environment
Duration of project: Operating since July 1997

4) "Monitoring programme for the quality of water in which aquatic organisms live and feed"

The establishment of a laboratory for monitoring fresh and marine water is foreseen.

Supervising body: Evros Department of Fisheries
Duration of project: The establishment of the laboratory is nearing completion and it is expected that monitoring of water and aquatic organisms will begin soon.

5) "Quality control and water analyses of the transboundary rivers of Thrace"

A laboratory for monitoring surface freshwater in the rivers of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has been organised already. Automatic sampling and monitoring instruments are to be installed along river Evros. The objective is to increase sampling points and to apply a plan for confronting or preventing pollution.

Management/ implementation bodies: Alexandroupolis Chemical Service, Ministry for the Environment, State General Chemical Laboratory

Projects planned by the Prefecture for 1998 in the Evros delta greater area are:

Projects to improve fisheries

"Projects to improve fisheries in the Drana lagoon" and "Projects to improve fisheries in the Monolimni lagoon"

The Drana study has not been assigned yet and the Ministry for the Environment is in the process of setting the environmental terms for the approval of the Monolimni study.

Financial framework: SANA 2
Budget: 400.000.000 drs.
Duration of project: 1994 – 1999

Irrigation projects

• "Replacement of pumping stations (machinery)"

• "Reconstruction of Sarantametro dam"

• "Reconstruction of West Vrahionas dam"

• "Construction of communication canals between the eastern part of the eastern dike and the western area"

• "Peplos irrigation project"

• "Itea irrigation project"

• "Additional works for the redistribution of agricultural land in the area of Ferres"

Special projects

• "Construction of fisheries infrastructure at Drana lagoon etc.

• "Environmental Activities Centre at Topsi"

• "Repair of terraces in the Loutros torrent"

• "Environmental interpretation projects and works for the promotion of the area"

• "Installations for washing pesticide sprayers"

Roadwork projects

• "Bridge joining the peripheral road of the delta biotope and earthworks on the road coming from the guardhouse"

• "Egnatia road to Alignment"

The general legal protection framework has been strengthened by the Joint Ministerial Decision.

International conventions and Directive 79/409/EEC as well as the proposal for inclusion of the area in the NATURA 2000 network increase prospects for efficient protection of the area. The preservation of the area as a natural ecosystem is made a priority and the inflow of funds for sustainable development is facilitated.

Within the framework of the "Programme for handling specific environmental problems and system for the operation and management of the protected Evros delta area and its greater region", which is under implementation, a draft Presidential Decree will be proposed. The Presidential Decree will include conservation and land use regulations.

Efforts to increase awareness among local people have proved fruitful. In the past, in certain cases, even the fact that researchers simply urged inhabitants to avoid adverse actions had positive results. Most of the local inhabitants have realised the need to protect the wetland. However, by stressing the importance of the wetland, an opposite result has also been reached. Many tourists visit the wetland and the way in which the tours are being conducted disturbs birds living in the delta.

The Information Centre is offering ever-increasing services and can contribute even more to public information and awareness.

The Programme Agreement has supplied the area with a flexible preliminary management scheme. The objectives of this scheme are: 1) to address rapidly issues concerning everyday management 2) to complete projects concerning awareness, infrastructure, surveys and management 3) to contribute to the co-ordination of bodies involved in the management of the site (Ministry of Environment 1998). However, a general objective of the Programme Agreement is to create conditions for setting up the legal entity of a management authority. Such an authority has not been instituted yet. This does not mean that competent authorities for various matters concerning the wetland are inhibited from carrying out positive actions.

Monitoring and assessment of proposed projects will be carried out within the framework of the Programme Agreement.

The Evros delta is still a very important area from an ecological point of view. Some of its economic and social values are increasing and some have deteriorated. The greatest and most important shock for the wetland is probably the illegal drainage of Drana lagoon. Reasons that led the inhabitants to this illegal action were the fear of salinisation of surrounding agricultural land and their protest against State authorities that, in their view, did not give sufficient attention to their problems. The drainage of Drana benefited nobody and deprived the delta of an extremely important avifauna habitat. During the current decade, progress has been noted in the awareness of the local population as regards the delta’s natural values. Thus, it is rather unlikely that similar adverse actions will occur again. Besides, everybody endorses the idea of restoration.

For many years, the delta area had been isolated due to its geographical position. For decades, people living around it have made efforts to survive in this part of Greece, which faces all the problems that emerge from its frontier character. Usually, it is very difficult to speak about environmental protection to people who face such problems. The fact that during the current decade governmental and non-governmental organisations show great interest in the area and are informing the inhabitants about wetland values is very important. The majority of the local population has consented to the protection of biotic and abiotic wetland resources that are valuable for the local economy. This is a necessary prerequisite for the realisation of any conservation project. The State can ensure continuous and efficient protection of the area by carrying out the already planned actions. The future of the area depends on the co-existence of the farming and fishing character with the natural ecosystems by adopting sustainable production practices. The development of tourism that has been observed during the past years favours conservation. The latter is taking up an economic dimension since it is the very biological value of the wetland the attracts visitors. However, one needs to be careful because tourism that is improperly organised is dangerous, especially to the avifauna of the site.

The committee concludes that the Evros Delta still faces important problems. It may be stressed that the most important problem is probably the delay in the restoration of the Drana lagoon. The disturbance of birds by visitors due to the way in which guided tours are conducted is a new problem. From an institutional point of view, delays have been noted but this does not constitute an obstacle for taking positive measures. On the other hand, during the current decade, noticeable progress has been made in two important fields. Firstly, many positive projects and actions have been undertaken. Secondly, and most importantly, the attitude of inhabitants towards nature conservation has become more positive. The committee deems that it is rather the latter two fields, and not the fulfilment of procedural obligations that should weigh most when comparing the current state of the Evros delta with the situation in 1990.

The inclusion of the Evros Delta in the Montreux Record had absolutely no influence on the promotion of nature protection at a local and prefectural level. In no way has this deterred harmful intervention. The removal of the area from the Record could boost the existing positive attitude of the local population and help to create a spirit of optimism. Inhabitants will feel that efforts made to preserve the environment are rewarded.

The committee proposes that the Evros Delta be removed from the Montreux Record.

If the proposal is accepted, the committee deems that the achieved progress, as well as the problems and actions that are necessary for the continuation of the rehabilitation of the wetland system, should be stressed.

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

Arapis, T. and V. Flega. 1994. Biodiversity Conservation and local Economic development: A study of two Leader Projects in Greece, HOS-RSPB, BirdLife Int.

Babalonas D. 1979. Phytosociological study of the vegetation of the Evros delta. PhD thesis. Scientific Annals of the School of Natural Sciences Department. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Annex No 1. Thessaloniki. (In Greek)

Economidis, P.S. 1991. Check list of the freshwater fishes of Greece. Recent status of threats and protection. Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature. Athens 46p.

Goutner V., and G. Handrinos. 1988. Evros Delta the rare birds wetland. Hellenic Ornithological Society, RSPB. Athens. (In Greek)

Goutner, V. and S. Kazantzidis. 1992. Shorebird populations in the Evros Delta. Published by Evros Local Union of Municipalities and Communities (T.E.D.K. Evros and WWF-Greece.

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.

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

Malakou, M., H.Jerrentrup, A. Hatzantonis, and E. Papayannakis. 1988. Integrated management of coastal wetlands of the Mediterranean type; Northern Greece. Committee on Nature and Man, Panorama Cultural Society. Athens. 108p.

Maltby, E., R. Hughes, and C. Newbold. 1984. The dynamics and functions of coastal wetlands of the Mediterranean type. Report prepared for the European Commission DGXI.

Meininger, P.L. (ed). 1990. Birds of the wetlands in Northeast Greece, Spring 1987. WIWO Report 20. Zeist.

Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works "Programme for handling specific environmental problems and system for the operation and management of the protected Evros delta area". Part É. Athens. (In Greek)

Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works. 1986. Delineation of Ramsar wetlands: Evros Delta. Athens. (In Greek)

Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works. 1998. Information sheet on the Delta of Evros. Athens.

Panoras, Á., É. Mavroudis, G. Ch. Zalidis, X. Dimitriadis, and S. Chatzigiannakis. 1995. Soil study of agricultural areas surrounding the former Drana lagoon. ÅÊBÕ and World Wide Fund for Nature. Thermi. (In Greek)

Prefecture of Evros, Environmental and Town Planning Division. 1996. Specific Environmental Study of the Evros Delta (Paraskevopoulos Á. and associates). Athens. (In Greek)

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

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Greece), Hellenic Ornithological Society, Society for the Protection of Prespes. 1998. (Life ÉÉ Programme "Protection of the Pygmy Cormorant and the Lesser White-fronted Goose in Greece" (Contract number Â4-3200/96/499). Intermediary Progress Report.

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

Zalidis C. G. and A. L. Mantzavelas (eds). 1996. Inventory on Greek wetlands as natural resources (First approximation). Greek Biotope/Wetland Center (EKBY). English edition. xvi + 448pp.

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.