The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Greece, National Strategy for Wetland Resources [file 3]

MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS

The Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works is responsible for promoting the strategy at a political level, as the State’s main environmental protection instrument. For the implementation of the actions themselves, co-operation and work is necessary at all levels (central, regional and local) among many services. The main ones are those of the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Development, and other Ministries depending on the subject. For actions focused on wetlands of Macedonia or Thrace and Aegean island wetlands, the competent Minsitries for Macedonia-Thrace and of the Aegean will also have to be involved. In certain cases of supra-national co-operation, e.g. management of trans-frontier wetlands, the Ministries for Development and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, which are responsible for trans-frontier waters, will have to be involved (33).

For any issues related to the search for or the provision of scientific knowledge or know-how, of organisations or institutions that have information will have to be involved (Universities, research and application institutes, other specialised bodies). For anything related to public information and awareness on the need to protect wetlands, existing or planned Education Centres (Evros Delta, Vistonida, Nestos Delta, Kerkini, Koronia-Volvi, Axios-Loudias-Aliakmonas, Mavrouda, Prespa, Enipeas, Tavropos, Aspropotamos, Schninias, Mesolongi, Amvrakikos, Kalodiki-Kalamas, Kotihi, Psifta- Trizinia, Koutavos, Psalidi-Kos, Kalloni-Lesvos, Aliki-Limnos, Dimosari), the Environmental Information Centres of the Ministry for Education (Soufli, Elefterio-Kordelio in Thessaloniki, Kastoria, Konitsa, Mouzaki, Argyroupolis-Athens, Klitoria and Akrata), and environmental NGOs will play a vital role. The contribution of national or local environmental NGOs to the identification of threats and the promotion and implementation of this strategy in general will be very important.

The consent and active participation of the organisations of social groups, e.g. fishing and agricultural co-operatives and chambers of commerce, is necessary for the implementation of numerous actions. The involvement of the private sector is important too.

Special care should be taken at various administrative levels, in accordance with legislation, to prevent degradation, apply measures foreseen by EIA studies correctly, monitor environmental parameters and apply approved management measures.

The Ministry of Environment together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Ministries that have joint responsibility will have to put forward relevant organisational structures with due consideration to the requirements of Community Directives such as 92/43. Moreover, relevant instructions and circulars, as mentioned e.g. in the draft law on physical planning, should be prepared for the various administrative levels of the country.

The monitoring of threats during the policy planning and decision-making phase, should be organised at the level of Prefecture or administrative region, by the services that are responsible for the protection of nature. Anyone else would encounter difficulties in gaining access to the appropriate information and communicating with other services, and the result would be low efficiency.

Guards (guards-guides) who are employed already in protected wetlands, Forestry Service personnel after suitable training, environmental organisations and informed visitors, may participate in monitoring threats and in identifying changes in the field.

Undoubtedly, it should become common consciousness that this strategy, just like any other environmental protection strategy, may prove fruitful, only provided the majority of Greek citizens embrace it as a real collective necessity, and as a personal responsibility as well.

This strategy is the expression of political will, on the part of the Ministry of Environment, to intensify, to organise in a more systematic way and to increase the number of actions that aim at the sustainable development of wetlands situated on Greek territory, with priority to the most important ones from an ecological, social and economic point of view. Therefore, initiative for diffusion on the one hand and the implementation of described actions on the other hand will be entrusted to the said Ministry. In order to promote the implementation of actions, it is proposed that a special committee be set up (hereinafter the "wetlands committee"). This committee may form part of the larger NATURA 2000 Committee, which is to be set up in accordance with JMD 33318/3028 dated 28.12.98 (GG 1289B) on the "determination of measures and procedures for the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora". Its exact composition, content and responsibilities, the schedule of activities and financing possibilities to be examined, are a matter of political choice that should be dealt with immediately. Obviously, the wetlands committee will co-operate closely with local management bodies and with permanent or temporary scientific consultants.

The wetlands committee will also be able to help co-responsible Ministries (Ministry for Development, Agriculture) to proceed with the elaboration of their own plans of action for wetland resources.

Finally, this wetlands committee will undertake on a continuous basis, to identify suitable financial instruments that are necessary for the implementation of the actions of this strategy, in accordance with the priorities that it will set.

A prerequisite for a smooth progress of implementation of this strategy is its widest possible diffusion, firstly to all decision-making services and bodies, secondly to those that are in a position to implement the various decisions, and finally to the general public that should understand their necessity and support the decisions.

The diffusion and integration of the strategy in sector policies, i.e. in planning and decision-making on land-use issues, physical planning, water resource management, forestry and coastal zone management, tourist development and other environmental and natural resources management measures (at a national, regional and local level) constitute a priority. Moreover, special attention should be given to the integration of the principles of sustainable wetland management in Environmental Impact Assessment and the imposition of environmental terms on projects that affect wetland ecosystems. For these purposes, existing horizontal and vertical mechanisms for promoting necessary management orientations and measures (NATURA 2000 Network, Special Protection Areas based on 79/409/EC, JMDs and PDs for the delimitation and management of Ramsar wetlands, planned management bodies for protected wetlands) to Public Administration should be reinforced and improved. The aforementioned wetlands committee can play a vital role in this.

The progress of implementation of the strategy should be examined systematically, at predetermined intervals (e.g at the end of each year), based on the report about the various actions. Moreover, the wetlands committee may draft a report on the implementation of strategy actions, within the framework perhaps of the general report that the NATURA 2000 Committee is obliged to draft. This report should be drafted for the first time by the year 2000 and subsequently, every six years, as foreseen by article 17 of JMD 33318/3028. When the wetlands committee begins to function, it should determine the mechanism through which it will collect all information that is necessary for evaluating the progress of implementation and report on any obstacles. The conclusions of evaluation and ensuing orientations shall be forwarded to involved and interested services, institutes, organisations and other bodies. Periodic evaluation of the degree of implementation of the strategy will constitute a feedback mechanism and its objective will be to improve the planning of actions and increase the effectiveness of actions under implementation.

In the following review of legislation, international conventions ratified by Greek legislation are presented in the last group and conventions that our country has signed but has not ratified by a corresponding Greek law, are presented in the sub-chapter "international conventions". The most important legal documents are the following (17).

1.1. Protection of species

• P.D. 67/1981 on the protection of endemic flora and wild fauna and the determination of a procedure for co-ordinating and controlling research on them
• L. 1650/1986 on the protection of the environment (articles 20, 22)
• L. 2055/1992 ratification of the treaty on international trade in endangered species of fauna and flora, together with annexes I and II (CITES)
• J.M.D. 414985/1985 management measures for wild avifauna (arrangements related to Directive 79/409/EC)

1.2. Protection of species and habitats

• L. 1469/1950 historical sites and sites of outstanding natural beauty
• L. 996/1971 national parks, aesthetic forests and protected natural monuments
• L. 191/1974 ratification of an international agreement (Ramsar, Iran 2.2.1971) on the protection of wetlands of international importance (Ramsar Convention)
• L. 177/1975 hunting reserves
• L. 1335/1983 ratification of an international convention (Bern, 19.9.79) on the conservation of wild life and the natural environment of Europe (Bern Convention)
• L. 855/1978 ratification of an international convention (Barcelona, 16.2.76) on the protection of the Mediterranean sea from pollution and L. 1634/1986 ratification of protocols 3 on the protection of the Mediterranean from land-based sources of pollution and 4 on specially protected areas of the Barcelona convention)
• L. 1650/1986 on the protection of the environment (articles 19-21)
• L. 2204/1994 ratification of the convention on biological diversity (Rio de Janeiro, 5 June 1992) and Decision 93/626/EC of the Council

1.3. Management of natural space and resources

• L. 998/1979 on the protection of the country’s forests and forest areas in general
• L. 1734/1987 grazing areas and regulation of matters that concern farming and other concessions, and matters that concern forest areas
• L. 1337/1983 extension of town plans and urban development
• JMD 69269/5387/1990 classification of projects and activities into categories, content of Environmental Impact Assessment studies (EIA)
• L. 1739/1987 management of water resources

2. Community acts

• Directive 92/43/EC on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora
• Directive 79/409/EC on the conservation of wild birds
• Regulation 2078/92 of the Council of the European Communities concerning agricultural production methods that are compatible with environmental protection and the conservation of nature
• Directive 91/676/EC on the protection of underground and surface water from nitric substances of agricultural origin
• Directive 91/271/EC on the treatment of urban effluents

3. International conventions (signed but not yet ratified)

• Bonn convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals (valid since November 1983)
• Convention on the protection of international cultural and natural heritage (valid since December 1975)

ANNEX 2: REFERENCES TO STRATEGIC ORIENTATIONS AND PREVIOUS EFFORTS TO FORMULATE A STRATEGY FOR WETLANDS OR THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF GREECE

Drafted in 1989 by a working group composed of 30 Greek and foreign experts under the supervision of Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Protection of the Department of Geoponics of the University of Thessaloniki and the International Union for the Protection of the Environment (IUCN). The first organisation was the main financier. This plan was presented in its final form at four open meetings in 1989 - 1990 (Thessaloniki, Athens, Xanthi and Patras) at which hundreds of specialised scientists, high-ranking civil servants, members of environmental organisations etc. participated. This plan has drawn the attention of the Greek State but has never been approved officially.

This is a very remarkable joint effort that was co-ordinated by the Greek Society for the Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage. A large amount of valuable informative material on various environmental problems, including special documents on wetlands was produced that has not been used yet. The European Union financed the project.

This is a 228-page book, published in 1991 that circulated throughout the world. It is the result of co-operation between the Worldwide Fund for Nature, the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

It sets forth nine principles that should govern Man’s attitude towards living organisms and a society that wishes to use resources in a sustainable way. Moreover, it outlines a framework for efforts to be made in order to implement these principles and recommends specific measures. This book may be considered as an international strategy for the use of natural resources and it places great emphasis on the need to change human behaviour and to distribute resources fairly.

Towards the wise use of wetlands (8)

This is a comprehensive 180-page book published in 1993 by the Ramsar Convention Secretariat. It describes 17 international, national and local efforts to use resources in a rational way and summarises the lessons learnt from these efforts. Moreover it contains guidelines for wise use and instructions for applying the notion of rational use, which has been adopted by the contracting parties.

1. AMPHIBION (Number 18). October 1997. Directive 92/43 (Habitats Directive) 15 questions and answers.

2. Anagnostopoulou, Maria (editor). 1996. A guide to monitoring the "NATURA 2000" Network areas. Goulandris Natural History Museum – Greek Biotopes Centre. Thermi. 163 p.

3. Bartzoudis, G. 1995. Land reclamation works in the plain of Serres. pp. 57-82: In: Skordas, K. and M. Anagnostopoulou (project co-ordinators). Sustainable management of the water of Lake Kerkini. Minutes of a Training Programme, Serres, 25-29 September 1995. Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY), Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, Ministry for Macedonia – Thrace (MedWet publication).

4. Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: "Wise use and conservation of wetlands" (Brussels, 29/5/95)

5. Convention on Biological Diversity. 1992. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

6. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat. 1996. Strategic plan 1997-2002. Proceedings of the 6th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties. Brisbane, Australia, 19-27 March 1996.

7. Council of Europe, UNEP, European Centre for Nature Conservation. 1996. The Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy. 50 p.

8. Davis, T.J. (ed.). 1993. Towards the wise use of wetlands. Wise Use project. Ramsar Convention Bureau. Gland, Switzerland.

9. European Community. 1993. "Towards sustainability": 5^th Action Plan of the European Community.

10. Finlayson, C.M. (compiler). 1994. Conclusion of working group 4: Ecological change - concept and application: Defining gaps and priorities. p. 157-161: In: G. Aubrect, G. Dick and C. Prentice (editors). Monitoring of ecological change in wetlands of Middle Europe. Proceedings of an international workshop held in Linz, Austria, 26-30 October 1993. Stapfia 31 and IWRB Special Publication 30.

11. Gerakis, P. A. 1996. Proposal for the formulation of a National Strategy for Wetland Resources 2^nd Draft Working Document.

12. Gerakis, P.A. (editor). 1990. Protection and management of Greek biotopes. Proceedings of a working meeting in Thessaloniki, 16-21 April 1989. WWF, Lab. Ecol. Geop. Unit, Un. Of Thes. and IUCN. Thessaloniki.

13. Gerakis, P.A. and E. Koutrakis (editors). 1996. Greek Wetlands. Goulandris Natural History Museum – Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre. Commercial Bank of Greece. Athens. 382 p.

14. Gerakis, P.A., Maria Anagnostopoulou, K. Georgiou and M. Scoullos. 1999. Expression of opinion with regard to conservation actions for Greek Ramsar wetlands and to the applicability for removal from the Montreux Record. Report to the Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works and the Ramsar Bureau. 113 p.

15. Hellenic Ornithological Society. 1994. Important areas for the birds of Greece, acquaintance with the important biotopes of Greece. Special publication. 272 p.

16. IUCN/UNEP/WWF. 1991. Caring for the Earth. A strategy for a sustainable living. Gland, Switzerland. 228 p.

17. Lazaretou, Th. 1994. Guide on the lawful protection of nature. Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY). 48 p.

18. Ministry for Development, Water Potential and Natural Resources Directorate –Athens Polytechnic School –Institute for Geological and Metallurgical Studies-Planning Centre (KEPE) 1996. Draft management programme for the wetland resources of the country. Athens.

19. OECD. 1997. Framework for case studies on experience with the implementation of incentive measures to promote the conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity. Environment Directorate, Environment Policy Committee, Group on Economic and Environment Policy Integration Expert Group on Economic Aspects of Biodiversity. 23 p. (ENV/EPOC/GEEI/BIO(97)2/REV1)

20. Scoullos, M. I. (programme co-ordinator). 1993. National Strategy for Greek Nature. Unpublished report.

21. Spyropoulou, S. and D. Dimopoulos. 1998. Incentives for the conservation of the nesting grounds of the Sea Turtle Caretta caretta in Laganas Bay, Zakynthos, Greece. Case study presented in the OECD Expert Group on Economic Aspects of Biodiversity.

22. The Venice Declaration on Mediterranean Wetlands and the Mediterranean Wetlands Strategy. Unpublished report. Venice, June 1996.

23. Tsiouris, S.E. and P.A. Gerakis. 1991. Wetlands of Greece: values, alterations, conservation. WWF, Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Protection of Faculty of Agriculture of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, IUCN. Thessaloniki, 96 p.

24. Valaoras, G. (compiler). 1997. Mediterranean Conservation Strategy/Action Plan 1996-2002. WWF Mediterranean Programme Office. Roma. 28+24 p.

25. Zalidis, G. 1996. Creation, rehabilitation and restoration of wetland functions as a means for sustainable management of the natural resources of a hydrological basin. Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY). 18 p.

26. Zalidis, Ch. G. and ?. L. Mantzavelas (editors). 1994. Inventory of Greek wetlands as natural resources (First approach). Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY). xviii + 587 p.

27. Zalidis, Ch. G., X.P. Dimitriadis, and S. L. Chatzigiannakis (editors). 1995. Ideotype of the former Lake Karla as an evaluation baselineof the proposed solutions for the construction of the reservoir. Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY). Thessaloniki. 91 p.

28. Zalidis, G.C., A.L. Mantzavelas and Eleni Gourvelou. 1997. Environmental impacts on Greek wetlands. Wetlands 17:339-345.

29. Directive 79/409/EC on the conservation of wild birds.

30. Directive 92/43/EC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.

31. Regulation 2078/92/EC on on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside

32. L. 1650/86 (GG 160 ?/18-10-86). On the protection of the environment.

33. L. 1739/87 (GG 201 ?/20-11-87). Management of water resources and other provisions

34. L. 2204/1994 (GG 59?/15-4-94). Ratification of the Convention on biological Diversity.

Summary Presentation of the National Strategy for Wetland Resources

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 ramsar@ramsar.org). Posted on this Web site,18 July 2000, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.