The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

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

ANNEX V

COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE DELTA OF AXIOS –

LOUDIAS – ALIAKMON (AND ALIKI KITROUS)V

MONTREUX RECORD – QUESTIONNAIRE

I 1. Name of site: Axios – Loudias – Aliakmon Delta (and Aliki Kitrous)

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

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

The above criteria are still valid.

1. Pollution of surface water, especially of river Loudias
2. Domestic waste disposal
3. Reduction in the flow of river Axios during summer
4. Construction of illegal settlements on the coastline
5. Overgrazing
6. Important reduction (perhaps disappearance) of Jackal populations.

(Reference is made to the corresponding numbering of answers to question I 3.)

1. The main sources of pollution are point sources. The most important pollutants are untreated effluents from human settlements and industry. It should be stressed that, in the summer, effluents from canneries (especially in the Prefecture of Pella) cause the most serious problem by discharging into Ditch 66 and consequently to river Loudias. Furthermore, the Sindos Ditch is one of the most polluted watercourses in the country.
2. Empty mussel shells accumulate on the coast. Domestic solid waste is dumped at various places of the delta with no provision for sanitary measures e.g. soil topping.
3. During the summer months, the flow of rivers Axios and Aliakmon is reduced greatly both due to natural conditions (reduced or no rainfall and intensive evaporation) and the use of water for irrigation. During the past 15 years, the rice-field surface area has increased. Rice-fields, as known, have greater irrigation water requirements as compared to other agro-ecosystems (e.g. corn, sugar beet).
4. Illegal construction on the coastline of the delta has increased during the past years. Constructions include huts and small storehouses for mussel farmers, refectories and resort houses.
5. Farmers allow cattle to graze freely in the site without control over either their numbers or the areas where they graze. At various locations, there are signs of vegetation degradation due to overgrazing.
6. According to the inhabitants of nearby settlements, during the 1985-1995 period, the population of Jackals has significantly reduced because of hunting. Animal farmers claimed that Jackals caused damage to their herds and therefore they exterminated them. Adverse changes in other parameters of the biological value of the site have also been reported.

Although quantitative data are insufficient, we identify and evaluate the natural wetland functions of the area by postulation (see Adamus et al 1987, A. Gerakis and Kalburtji 1998). These are:

Functions	Probable Degree of Performance
Foodweb support Nutrient removal/transformation Trapping of sediments and toxic substances Modification of flood phenomena Groundwater recharge Storage and release of heat Regulation of salt balance	High Medium High Low Low Low High

We evaluate the area’s values as follows. (These values derive from the importance of functions and the existence of other attributes).

Drinking water supply: Non-existent for Loudias, low for Axios. Aliakmon could be (as it is predicted) used after adequate treatment.

Irrigation: Medium for Axios, satisfactory for Aliakmon and low for Loudias. The values of the first two are being used extensively and the water of the third one is used occasionally.

Fishing: Insignificant to non-existent for the rivers. High in the shallow marine zone where mussel farming constitutes a very important economic activity.

Animal farming: High in certain locations. A high degree of use is observed at many locations.

Hunting: High. Not extensively used because of restrictions.

Wood/fibre production: Medium in certain locations.

Sand extraction: High value. Used intensively in the Axios riverbed, upstream from the Thessaloniki-Katerini National Freeway.

Salt extraction: High value and important utilisation at the Aliki Kitrous site.

Scientific: High from the point of view of fauna, flora, vegetation, problematic soils, hydrology, land reclamation projects, geology, physical geography, pollution and nutrient transformation processes. A remarkable number of research projects.

Educational: High value because of many objects, the patchiness of the wetland area, short distance from a large urban centre (Thessaloniki). Presence of a Technological Education Institute (Higher education) a few kilometres from the Delta. An Information Centre is already in operation at Chalastra. Low degree of utilisation.

Cultural: Medium because only the historic parameter (history of Ancient Macedonia and the Macedonian battles at the beginning of the 20^th century against the Ottoman occupation) is important.

Recreational: Medium. Low degree of utilisation.

Flood control: Low

Water quality improvement: Varying from low to high in different locations.

Topoclimatic: Low (there are few deep water bodies in the delta).

The above evaluations of functions and values are based on a varying degree of subjectivity especially in wetland areas such as deltas that are a mosaic of many individual smaller wetlands of different types. Ideally, the area under examination should be divided into many individual wetland ecosystems and each one should be evaluated separately.

The biological value of the area with regard to the fauna is high and may be summarised as follows:

Twenty six species of fish have been recorded in Axios, one of which is endemic (Rutilus macedonicus). Five species of fish are considered vulnerable and are protected by fisheries legislation.

Fifteen species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians and 17 species of mammals have been reported. At least 6 species of mammals are included in the various vulnerability categories in the Red Data Book on Threatened Vertebrates of Greece. These are: Wild Cat, Wolf, Jackal, European Souslik, Otter and Badger.

As for the avifauna, 215 species of birds have been recorded, 79 of which nest in the area and the rest stop by or winter in the area. Twenty seven of the nesting species are considered rare and are protected by Community Directive 79/409 (on the protection of birds and their habitats) and Law 1335/83 or the Bern Convention (on the Conservation of Wildlife and the Natural Environment). Fifty eight of the remaining ones are protected. Two of the species recorded in the area, the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) and the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris), are among the rarest species of birds in the world (world threatened)

The values that we believe have been altered are the following:

1. The users of the fishing value of the marine zone argue that the value has decreased. We have found no quantitative data to support this argument.
2. The scientific value is increasing due to management studies carried out during the current decade, and also due to the changes that have started to appear in the scientific understanding of past errors related to wetland utilisation e.g. non-beneficial drainage, salinisation of soils, unwise use of irrigation water.
3. The educational and recreational values have increased to a certain extent and are expected to increase further as the Information Centre of Chalastra and the Malgara Centre further develop their services.
4. As for the biological value of the area, we note the following: In general the landscape has not been greatly altered but certain locations have degraded, particularly due to domestic waste disposal and illegal construction. These visible causes and water pollution have caused the degradation of flora and fauna habitats. The most important change in land use is the extension of rice fields at the expense of other agro-ecosystems. The consequences of this change in the biota of the natural wetland have not been evaluated. There are no data to evaluate changes in flora diversity. As for the fauna, periodical records exist only for birds. Sakoulis and Bourdakis (1998) summarise these below:

Species	1968-74	1982-86	1995-97
Anas penelope	20,6	1,0	2,8
Tadorna tadorna	0,8	0,4	2
Fulica atra	13,6	0,2	2,1
Total of the above species	35	1,6	6,9
Total waterfowl (geese, ducks, Swans & Coots)	50,8	4,3	16,7

Sakoulis and Bourdakis (1998) mention that the Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus) has ceased to breed in Aliki Kitrous and that the populations of the Pygmy Cormorant, the Glossy Ibis, the Gull-billed Tern and to a lesser extend those of the Spoonbill and the Collard Pratincole have decreased. Moreover, they report that the populations of waterfowl wintering in the area had decreased during the 1980s to one tenth of those of the 1970s. A certain increase has been noted, however, in the current decade.

According to information that we could not manage to confirm, a number of jackals have started to re-appear in the Axios Delta.

Survey, surveillance and monitoring projects carried out in the area are:

1) WWF Greece, in co-operation with the Hellenic Ornithological Society, within the framework of the LIFE project "Protection of the Pygmy Cormorant and the Lesser White-fronted Goose in Greece", under implementation in the area (1997-1999), are monitoring:

• the populations of the Pygmy Cormorant in the area and the use of wetland habitats by this species
• wetland problems

The objective of monitoring is to draft National Action Plans for the protection of the species in Greece that will specify actions for the area of Axios – Loudias – Aliakmon and the Gallikos estuary.

2) The Ministry for Macedonia – Thrace (Independent Environmental Protection Department) has been monitoring pollution of surface water in the Prefecture of Thessaloniki since 1992. Automatic stations monitor temperature, conductivity, turbidity, redox potential, dissolved oxygen and pH. Data for river Axios originate from the Gefira station whereas data for Loudias come from the Mikro Monastiri station.

3) The Ministry for Agriculture, in co-operation with Royal Institute Natural History of Belgium, the Hellenic Ornithological Society and the European Federation of Hunters (FASE), is carrying out a project for the Protection of the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris). Within the framework of the project, a special survey for the localisation of Slender-billed Curlew individuals and the study of their ecology is being carried out. At the same time, counts of waders are organised at regular intervals. Moreover, the problems faced by waders were recorded.

4) Around January every year, the wintering populations of waterfowl are estimated within the framework of Midwinter Waterfowl Census organised by the Hellenic Ornithological Society.

5) Various very interesting surveys for soil and water pollutants have been carried out during the past decade by various organisations (e.g. Schools of Chemistry and Agriculture. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki).

6) The Divisions for Agriculture of the prefectures to which the area belongs administratively keep records of yearly statistical data about the agro-ecosystems.

Every organisation financing a project has its own evaluation procedure. The use of data from the above six projects is as follows (numbering corresponds to that of chapter I 9):

1. Data and the results of the project will be forwarded to civil services dealing with the protection of the site so that they can help in future planning for its protection and management. Furthermore, the National Action Plan for the Protection of the Pygmy Cormorant in Greece will be produced. It is estimated that this plan will constitute a useful tool for the protection of the site.

2. The results are accessible to all interested bodies and individuals and are being used by civil services for planning projects and actions to reduce pollution.

3. The results were presented at an international conference that took place in Alexandroupolis (November 1998).

4. At the national level, information is being processed by the Hellenic Ornithological Society whereas at an international level, it is forwarded to Wetlands International, which organises the overall international census project. The Ministry of Agriculture is the government agency responsible for carrying out the counts.

5. The results have been published in scientific journals. Certain articles contain important management proposals etc.

6. The data are useful for agricultural policy making, carrying out studies on the sustainable use of irrigation water, agrochemicals etc.

1. The Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) for the wetland "Measures for the protection of the Aliki Kitrous wetlands, the lower part and the delta of rivers Aliakmon, Loudias, Axios, Gallikos, the Kalohori lagoon and its greater area" has been signed (Official Gazette 687, Issue 2o, 6/7/1998).

2. A Specific Environmental Study for the wetland is being carried out (virtually a management plan).

3. Part of the area was qualified as a Special Protection Area in accordance with Community Directive 79/409/EEC (on the protection of birds and their biotopes).

4. The site has been qualified as an Important Bird Area for Greece (three areas: 1) Axios – Loudias – Aliakmon delta, 2) River Axios and 3) Aliki Kitrous). The revised issue will include the Gallikos estuary.

5. The site has been proposed for inclusion in the NATURA 2000 network.

6. Hunting has been prohibited in the area.

7. The Ministry for the Environment has built an Information Centre for the wetland, observation towers (five) and guardhouses (four) to assist the promotion and utilisation of the site.

8. The Programme Agreement for the utilisation and the promotion of the site was signed recently. Within the framework of the Programme Agreement, the Information Centre has been staffed. Public information and awareness campaigns for the promotion of the wetland are financed.

9. Within the framework of Regional Operational Programmes (PEP), the following projects have been planned:

"Domestic waste management"

Financial framework PEP
Budget: 40.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Development Association for Axios – Loudias

"Project for the organisation and management of the site's domestic waste"

Financial framework PEP
Budget: 43.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Development Association for Ionia – Sindos – Kalohori

10. Specific Environmental Study (SES)

"Programme for handling specific environmental problems and system for the operation and management of the protected area of the estuaries of rivers Axios, Loudias, Aliakmon, the Aliki Kitrous area and Kalohori lagoon"

The programme includes the determination of suitable regulatory interventions and specific management measures for the conservation of the ecological value and promotion of the protected area (delineation, issuing of Presidential Decree on the protection of the site, drafting of a proposal for the management body and the operation and management rules).

Financial framework: Operational Programme: "Environment" (Sub-project 3.1.)
Supervising body: Ministry of Environment (Natural Environment Management Section)
Project duration: under implementation – 1^st phase completed.

Works planned within the framework of the Programme Agreement "Protection and Promotion of the Axios – Loudias – Aliakmon delta area and Aliki Kitrous"

Includes:

• The operation of the Information Centre for the Axios – Loudias – Aliakmon delta and Aliki Kitrous
• Landscaping of the area surrounding the Information Centre – Improvement of access to it.
• Landscaping of Pieria thematic pavilion
• Construction of two guardhouses on the border of the Prefecture of Thessaloniki, a guardhouse on the border of the Prefecture of Imathia and another one on the border of the Prefecture of Pieria.
• Operation and utilisation of guardhouses, landscaping of exterior areas and improvement of access.
• Support, co-operation, continuous provision of information and identification of problems.
• Planning and implementation of information and awareness projects for competent bodies.
• Planning and implementation of projects to attract, accommodate, inform and guide visitors and special groups.
• Organisation and operation of archives regarding the site.
• Organisation of conferences.
• Publication of informative material (maps, brochures etc.)
• Production of films and other audio-visual presentations about the site.
• Publication of quarterly information bulletin.
• Training of employees and ecoguides-wardens.
• Planning and implementation of an environmental quality monitoring programme.
• Implementation of special projects for the promotion of the area.
• Delineation, sign-posting and fencing of protected area.
• Creation of an organised zone for mussel farming.
• Construction of a pier in the Prefecture of Imathia.
• Provision of a vessel for the Prefecture of Imathia.

Financial framework: Operational Programme: "Environment" (Sub-project 3.2.), National funds.
Budget: 342.750.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Association for Protection and the Promotion (in the process of establishment) – formed by 23 organisations from the Prefectures of Thessaloniki, Imathia, Pieria, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Duration of project: 1997 – 1999.

12. "Construction of Information Centre of Nea Malgara, Prefecture of Thessaloniki"

Financial framework: Operational Programme: "Environment" (Sub-project 3.2.)
Budget: 111.000.000 drs.

13. Projects in the Prefecture of Pieria

1. "Protection – Landscaping – Utilisation of the Pieria Coastline" (Includes the Communities of Korinos, Kitros, Makrigialos, Methoni, Agathoupolis)

Financial framework: SANA 2 (Measure: Tourism)
Budget: 200.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Prefecture of Pieria
Duration of project: 1996 – 1998

2. "Mapping & delineation for the wetland of Agathoupolis" part of the protected area. Includes the promotion and the rehabilitation of zone B)

Financial framework: SANA2 (Measure: "Primary sector")
Budget: 30.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Prefecture of Pieria
Duration of project: 1997

14. Projects for the Prefecture of Kilkis

1. "Biological treatment and construction of collection ducts for the Municipality of Kilkis" (River Gallikos receives effluents from the Municipality of Kilkis)

Financial framework: SANA2 (PEP2)
Budget: 430.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Municipal Water supply and Sanitation Company of Kilkis (DEYAK)
Duration of project: 1995 – 1998

2. "Biological treatment plant for the Municipalities of Axioupolis and Polikastro" (River Axios receives effluents from both Municipalities)

Financial framework: PEP
Budget: 579.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Prefecture of Kilkis
Duration of project: 1997 – 1998

15. Project for the Prefecture of Grevena

Treatment of Greveva effluents (River Aliakmon, via its tributary Grevenitis receives effluents from the Municipality of Grevena)

Financial framework: National funds
Budget: 500.000.000 drs.
Management/ implementation body: Municipality of Grevena
Duration of project: 1998 – 1999

16. Sustainable management of irrigation water

In 1995, in co-operation with EKBY and the School of Agriculture of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, a study was carried out entitled "Method for the improvement of the irrigation efficiency of the irrigation networks of Axios and its importance for the natural wetland areas of the Delta" (Dimitriadis 1995).

17. Sustainable management of rice-field weeds

A research project is being carried out by a working group of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (under the guidance of Professor I. Elephtherohorinos) in the rice-fields of the delta greater area.

18. Experimental artificial wetland for the treatment of effluents and their use in irrigation.

Research project in the Gallikos riverbed. Carried out by the National Agricultural Research Foundation, EKBY, School of Agriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Sugar Industry and private bodies with funding provided by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology and the Ministry of Environment (Katsavouni et al 1997).

19. Mosquito control in the Axios Delta

In 1996, at the initiative of the Development Agency of Thessaloniki, with funding provided by the Prefecture of Thessaloniki and the Ministry for the Environment, a research and implementation project for tackling the mosquito problem was initiated. The project employs relatively "soft" chemical substances. S. Mourelatos and G. Iatrou are the scientists responsible for the project.

A similar project has started to be implemented in the Axios Delta and in other wetlands of Macedonia by a Greek-German group assisted by H. Jerrentrup.

II 1. Success of ameliorative, restoration or maintenance measures (reference is made to the corresponding numbering of answers to question I 11).

1, 2. The application of the Joint Ministerial Decision is expected to stop the degradation of the area and sets the basis for its future sustainable management. The Presidential Decree that will follow from the Specific Environmental Study is expected to mark the beginning of integrated management of the site. Today, the area is managed but not in an integrated way.

3, 4, 5. The inclusion of the area in the networks of protected areas, in accordance with the two Community Directives, contributes to the conservation of the area from an institutional point of view. Moreover, it facilitates the inflow of funds for its sustainable management (e.g. agri-environmental regulation 2078/92).

6. The prohibition on hunting has contributed to the protection of the area. Despite insufficient wardening, it is thought that illegal hunting is decreasing. The contribution of the local hunting club towards the prevention of illegal hunting is worth mentioning.

7. The positive consequences of the operation of the Information Centre have already become manifest. The location of observation towers and guardhouses was successfully selected. However, with the passage of time, it became apparent that they were not resistant enough to weather conditions and needed to be repaired. The observation towers and guardhouses were vandalised and non-game birds were disturbed. This is sad but also a sign that people with bad intentions have realised that something has started to change in the area. They have realised that measures are being taken to reverse the past situation that was characterised by lack of control.

8. Information and awareness projects have been successful in general terms and further improvement is expected with the implementation of the actions foreseen by the Programme Agreement. Wardening of the site is rather insufficient and the environmental quality monitoring foreseen by the Programme Agreement has not started yet.

9. The domestic waste management problem is tackled to a satisfactory degree by these projects but we consider the lack of immediate measures for preventing litter dumping in the protected area as an inexcusable omission.

10. The Specific Environmental Study (SES) updates and completes the management study (Topiotechniki 1992) that was perhaps the most complete - with regard to the number of subjects dealt – of this type of studies carried out to date for a Greek wetland. The SES will definitely contribute to the elucidation and the specification of institutional and other protection measures.

11. The Programme Agreement has two objectives. Firstly, the utilisation of existing infrastructure and the implementation of projects and actions for the protection and the promotion of the area. Secondly, the setting up and the operation of a preliminary management scheme for the area. As regards the first objective, progress has been from slow to satisfactory. As for the second one, weaknesses have already been noted. Weaknesses are due to objective causes e.g. very large and heterogeneous site that administratively belongs to three Prefectures and is crossed by rivers whose springs are very far away. Moreover, they are characterised by a large variety of human activities, numerous settlements in the peripheral zone, various environmental problems, conflicts of competencies, lack of know-how for the application of more sustainable practices for the production of plant and animal products. Furthermore, weaknesses are due to subjective causes, e.g. fear of certain inhabitants that nature protection will lead to economic losses, lack of long tradition and experience in co-ordinating actions in areas of such size and needs. The existence of so many serious problems renders progress in co-ordination very difficult. What is important is that the first step has been made. Besides, the lack of a legally instituted "powerful" management body is not the most important factor for protection. Services that are well equipped and staffed and users of wetland and agricultural resources can solve many of the problems of the site.

12, 13, 14, 15. The completion of these projects will positively influence (directly and indirectly) conservation conditions of the delta.

16. Local Land Reclamation Organisations (TOEB) and the competent services of the Ministry of Agriculture have shown interest in the application of the results.

17. Rice farmers in the Axios Delta and the greater area will be informed about the results of the project so that they will be able to reduce the use of very toxic agrochemicals. (It should be noted that the Reclamation Institute of Sindos and the Cereal Research Institute of Thessaloniki have experimental farms in the same area on which experiments for the wise use of agricultural resources are being carried out).

18. The implementation of results is hoped to contribute to the reduction of pollution in the Delta (and other wetlands) originating from the effluents of small settlements, and irrigation water saving.

19. Reservations have been expressed about whether the project will contribute positively to the preservation of the wetland because it includes two sprayings-by-air with chemical substances. Our view is that mosquito control is inevitable because their populations are too high, especially during the summer months. Mosquitoes not only render people’s lives unbearable but they are also dangerous for the health of the inhabitants of nearby communities. Further delay in mosquito control for reasons of protection of wildlife would render the inhabitants, and rightly so, hostile towards nature protection. Research on the species of mosquitoes and their biology has progressed satisfactorily and allows the selection of an integrated control plan so that toxic effects on nature and humans are minimised. More environmentally friendly methods of control are already being studied. The success of the project will have most probably, a positive effect on the attitude of inhabitants towards nature protection.

The area continues to be one of the most ecologically and economically important wetlands of the country. Since the 1980s, no further general and radical changes have been observed. Any visible changes are limited to a small number of locations e.g. illegal construction along part of the coastline, domestic waste dumping. No important drainage or felling has been observed. Water pollution is perhaps the most serious and most difficult problem to solve. The condition of Loudias (this tidal river does not have a delta) and the Sindos Ditch is serious but no deterioration has been observed. On the contrary, there is more knowledge about the problem and the local population is more aware. However, these factors have not been able to mobilise the State because the pollutants of these two watercourses originate mainly from manufacturing plants with marginal economic viability, which employ many people and use mainly local products, especially agricultural. This is not an excuse but it explains the hesitation of the State that does not wish to endanger jobs and thereby endanger the progress made until now in the attitude of inhabitants towards nature protection.

The rehabilitation of the delta to pre World War One conditions, e.g. recreation of Klidi lagoon etc, is very difficult because ecological and social conditions have changed radically. As it is known, deltas are much more dynamic formations as compared to lakes and lagoons. We propose a special study in order to determine the technical and economic feasibility of restoring certain individual ecosystems of the deltas.

The increase in the number of illegal refectories and resort houses is perhaps a paradox if one considers pessimistic evaluations concerning the ecological condition of the delta. How is it that a "polluted" area attracts so many visitors and people who invest money in resort houses?

Ornithologists note both adverse and positive changes in the avifauna as compared to the situation during the 1980s. One could attribute adverse changes to the degradation of habitats and positive ones to the gradual improvement in controlling hunters. This we believe is an oversimplification because there are additional factors that need to be examined, e.g. drought periods and the situation of other wetlands with which the delta is in functional communication. However, we agree with the degree of credibility of counts provided by the very ornithologists. We have no information to prove that the spread of the rice-fields observed during the past years inside and outside the delta was to the detriment of natural areas. This development appears to be negative in so far as less water is available for natural wetlands in the summer and non-point agricultural pollution is perhaps increasing. On the other hand, rice-fields are also important, even though secondary, avifauna habitats. A serious problem caused by the increase in the rice-field area, in particular near inhabited areas, is the very important increase in the mosquito population. No ecologist can object to the control of mosquitoes, as long as it is not unwise as was the case during the 1945-1955 decade (the use of DDT was not unwise in view of the situation and knowledge at the time). The fact that in the particular case, both the local community and the competent services demonstrated sensibility is a positive sign. In fact, the history of the problem during the current decade is interesting both ecologically and socially.

In sum, we believe that the ecological character of the area in general has not changed in comparison with the 1980 decade. Of course many problems remain serious, e.g. pollution, overgrazing, illegal construction whereas others, e.g. illegal hunting have become less serious. With the exception of illegal construction (against which certain measures have been planned but have not yet implemented) measures for confronting the problems of the site are proceeding.

Man, as a structural component of the wider delta ecosystem has demonstrated improved behaviour.

Generally speaking, the landscape of the site has remained unchanged for decades, despite intensive human activities and pollution. With the exception of the biological value, stability or even improvement has been observed for the others. Concerning the biological value, we believe that certain parameters show stability, others improvement and some deterioration. It is not easy to document fully the causes of improvement or deterioration.

The area is confronted with serious environmental problems. The most difficult to solve are in our view, river pollution, particularly in Loudias (Loudias does not form a delta), and the safeguard of a satisfactory flow, especially for Axios, during the summer months. Of course, the word "satisfactory" cannot be determined without long-term studies.

As for the pollution of the three rivers: Aliakmon is polluted to a lesser extent. Axios is polluted more than Aliakmon. However, the situation in Loudias from the point of view of point sources of pollution during summer continues to be unacceptable. The social problem that will be caused by bearing pressure on polluting industries processing agricultural products (a large part of the income of thousands of rural families depends on the operation of these industries) cannot be used forever as an excuse for tolerating the situation. Of course, Loudias supports natural processes in the area at a lesser degree than the other two rivers do because it is not a "proper" river but a large canal into which seawater flows from time to time. The fact that the settlement closest to Loudias, the politically and economically powerful town of Giannitsa is fairly aware of the problem should be considered as optimistic. Indications of this awareness are: (a) A town councillor and other citizens have sent complaints to the European Commission and the Greek authorities concerning the point-source pollution of Loudias on several occasions. (b) The Municipality of Giannitsa has taken action to limit its own pollution (with delay of course). (c) The Municipality of Giannitsa has carried out the first in Greece integrated environmental training project for farmers in organic farming, in co-operation with the School of Agriculture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. One of the objectives of the project is to provide a solution for the pollution problem of Loudias. (d) The Municipality of Giannitsa has planned a project for the rehabilitation of the Loudias riparian zone in order to use it as an area for Environmental Education, leisure and sport (rowing). Moreover, other municipalities are planning projects to limit their pollution.

The pollution of Axios originates both from the Greek territory and from the Republic of Skopje. The largest part of the hydrological basin belongs to the latter. We do not know exactly what measures the neighbouring country is planning for the limitation of pollution but environmental NGOs in Skopje have already expressed concern about the pollution of the Skopje part of Axios. Various projects have been planned or are under implementation in Greece which will contribute to the limitation of point pollution (see chapter I 11) in Axios (and other rivers).

It is believed that there is non-point pollution of natural ecosystems in the delta and the neighbouring agro-ecosystems although there is not sufficient information to evaluate the gravity of the problem. For anticipatory reasons only, it appears useful to assume that the problem is serious. However, it can be mitigated by the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices, a matter that requires research. Researchers from the National Agricultural Research Foundation and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki have started to act towards this direction but funds are unfortunately insufficient. The fact that there is an experimental station very near the delta and that the Ministry of Agriculture has decided to employ more researchers for the Sindos Land Reclamation Research Institute are encouraging. The Sindos Institute has been involved in research projects and wetland management issues that concern the preservation of natural wetland systems.

The safeguard of a higher flow in the Axios (especially) and Aliakmon riverbeds is already a problem and might become even more difficult in the future due to the expected increased demand for drinking and irrigation water and the probable future climate changes. (Of course, this problem concerns thousands of other wetlands in arid and semi-arid zones on the planet). Land reclamation specialists (from the Ministry for Agriculture, the National Agricultural Research Foundation, and the University of Thessaloniki, EKBY) agree that there is an ample potential for saving irrigation water without decreasing crop yields. This can be achieved in many ways, one of which is the way proposed by Dimitriadis (1995). Those responsible for the irrigation network that uses water from Axios have shown interest in the Dimitriadis proposal.

As for the administrative and legal, official and informal obligations of the Greek State towards the Ramsar Convention, it is clear that they have been essentially fulfilled (e.g. delineation, maps). Only one remains to be fulfilled: the creation and legal consolidation of a special and powerful management scheme. First of all, the formation of such a preliminary management scheme through the recent Programme Agreement fulfils this obligation (or recommendation) to a great extent even though the Greek State still has to examine the legal part of the matter. We can examine the de facto aspect of it by asking the following question: Would ecological conditions be significantly improved in the delta if the management body had been set up ten years ago? Based on our knowledge of Greek reality, the socio-economic and ecological conditions in the area and the progress of the preliminary management scheme, our answer is negative. In our view, ten years ago it would not have been possible, due to insufficient public awareness, to obtain consent from the inhabitants, a primary prerequisite for the success of such a body. Today, although the majority of inhabitants agree to protection measures and take initiatives for the sustainable management of wetland and other ecosystems, the preliminary management scheme is progressing slowly due to the objective and subjective limitations mentioned earlier in this report. The preliminary management scheme is certainly useful. It suffices to mention the fact that the scheme improved communication and dialogue among government services and the exchange of views between government services on the one hand and users of wetland resources on the other.

Despite the fact that during the current decade, a small portion of the population had expressed negative attitude towards nature protection, we believe that the way in which inhabitants have handled, since 1985, the very serious mosquito problem is a sign of their positive attitude. Inhabitants had been asking for relief measures in vain, for many years, and when the situation became unbearable they did not proceed with mass and widespread sprayings with very toxic pesticides. Nor did they drain marshes. Instead, they assigned a research project and undertook careful pest control.

Arguments for keeping the area on the Montreux Record are: lack of a legally secure management body, water pollution (especially of Loudias), the need to secure more water for Axios, deterioration of certain parameters of the biological value, dumping of domestic waste, overgrazing at various locations, illegal hunting and illegal construction on the coastline.

Arguments for the removal of the area from the Montreux Record are: institutional measures have been taken (officially or de facto), the landscape has remained unaltered in general, values (except for the biological one) show signs of stabilisation or even improvement, certain biological parameters are reaching stability (or are perhaps recovering), numerous positive projects and actions have been carried out (e.g. research, educational, constructions) in order to confront the problems of pollution, use of water etc. and progress has been made in the awareness and consent of a large proportion of resources users, staff of civil services, elected local authorities, and the general public.

One could argue that arguments in favour of removal are the same or slightly stronger than arguments against removal. One could propose, therefore, with reservation, that the area be removed from the Montreux Record. Unfortunately, two problems do not allow us to propose removal. Firstly, we have not managed to document the initiation of specific efforts to limit the serious pollution of Loudias. Secondly, the accumulation of domestic waste continues to constitute an "eye sore" and to justifiably disappoint people visiting the delta.

We believe that if political will is strengthened, centrally and locally, these two problems could start to be effectively tackled within 1999. As soon as there are clear signs of progress as regards these problems, removal could be re-examined. Finally, regardless of whether the area will be removed from the Montreux Record, the accumulated litter should be removed from the delta immediately in view of, among other reasons, the initiation of the Danon-Evian project.

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).

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Athanasiou, H. 1990. Wetland habitat loss in Thessaloniki plain, Greece. M.Sc. dissertation, University College London, London, 90. p.

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Chatzigiannakis, S. 1988. Irrigation efficiency and the problem of salinisation in the irrigation networks of Chalastra- Kalohori and Gefira of the plain of Thessaloniki. Land Reclamation Institute. Sindos. 21 pp. (In Greek)

Chatzigiannakis, S. and Á. Panoras. 1992. The tidal river Loudias – Flow, water quality – Use of water for irrigation National Agricultural Research Foundation – Land Reclamation Institute Sindos. (In Greek)

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Papastergiadou, Eva. 1990. Phytosociological and ecological study of aquatic macrophytes (aquatic plants) in northern Greece. Doctoral thesis. Biology Unit University of Thessaloniki. 266 pp. (In Greek, English summary)

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Tsakiri, Å., D. Babalonas and Eva Papastergiadou. 1994. Study of the development condions of the aquatic fern Azolla filicylloides Lam. in the Axios delta (Kavouria stream). Proceedings of the 5th Scientific Conference of the Greek Botanical Society. Delphi. October 1994.

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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.