DOCSLIB.ORG

Conservation Action Plan for Grecian Juniper Forests in the Prespa Lakes Watershed

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Conservation Action Plan for Grecian Juniper Forests in the Prespa Lakes Watershed Empowered lives. Resilient nations. Grecian Juniper forests Conservation Action Plan for Grecian Juniper forests in the Prespa lakes watershed Landscape Scale Conservation in the Prespa Lake Basin Transboundary Species and Habitat Conservation Action Plans Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Prespa Lake Basin GRECIAN JUNIPER FORESTS Conservation Action Plan for the Prespa Lakes’ Watershed Prepared by: Dr Georgios Fotiadis, forester & environmentalist-vegetation specialist, TEI Lamias, Department of Forestry & Management of Natural Environment, Karpenisi Greece M.Sc. Natalija Angelova, environmentalist, Macedonian Ecological Society, Skopje, FYR of Macedonia Dr Nikola Nikolov, forester & forest fires specialist, Faculty of Forestry, Skopje, FYR of Macedonia Dr Ljupcho Melovski, nature conservation specialist, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Institute of Biology, Skopje, FYR of Macedonia Dr Mitko Karadelev, micologists, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Institute of Biology, Skopje, FYR of Macedonia Vasko Avukatov, GIS specialist, Macedonian Ecological Society, Skopje, FYR of Macedonia Lazar Nikolov, GIS specialist, Macedonian Ecological Society, Skopje, FYR of Macedonia Process facilitation and document Gabriel Schwaderer, Euronatur editing by: Lawrence Jones Walters, ECNC Acknowledgments Dr Michael Vrahnakis, forester, Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry and Management of Natural Environment, TEI of Larissa, Karditsa, Greece Dr Yannis Kazoglou, agronomist-environmentalist, scientific advisor of the Municipality of Prespa, Greece Andon Bojadzi, forester, NP Galichica Management Authority, Ohrid, FYR of Macedonia SPP-Society for the Protection of Prespa, Greece Suggested bibliographical reference: Fotiadis G., Angelova N., Nikolov N., Melovski Lj., Karadelev M., Avukatov V. and Nikolov, L. (2012). Conservation Action Plan for Grecian Juniper Forests in the Praspa Lakes Watershed (Final Report). UNDP/GEF project “Integrated ecosystem management in the Prespa lakes basin”, pg ?? 33 Contents Abbreviations ________________________________________________________________________________ 3 SUMMARY ____________________________________________________________________________________ 9 PART 1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION _____________________________________________________________ 13 1.1. Introduction ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 14 1.1.1. The Prespa lake Watershed ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 15 1.1.2. The Transboundary Prespa Park (TPP) __________________________________________________________________________________ 16 1.1.3. Physical features and hydrology ________________________________________________________________________________________17 1.1.4. Geology ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 18 1.1.5. Climatic features _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19 1.2 Description of the habitat ___________________________________________________________________________________________20 1.2.1. General description of the habitat: Grecian juniper forests (GJFs) __________________________________________________________ 21 1.2.2. Description of the Grecian juniper forests habitat type in the area of interest ________________________________________________ 22 1.3. Spatial distribution of the Grecian juniper forests in Prespa watershed ________________________________________________26 1.4. Conservation and protection status ________________________________________________________________________________ 30 1.4.1. Protection status in Albania ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 31 1.4.2 Protection status in Greece _____________________________________________________________________________________________32 1.4.3 Protection status in FYR of Macedonia ____________________________________________________________________________________32 1.5 Previous actions - review of relevant research or conservation projects _______________________________________________ 34 PART 2. GRECIAN JUNIPER FORESTS ACTION PLAN _________________________________________________ 37 2.1. Threats and limiting factors ______________________________________________________________________________________ 38 2.1.1. General issues ________________________________________________________________________________________________________38 2.1.2. Threat analysis _______________________________________________________________________________________________________40 2.2. Grecian juniper forests conservation action plan _____________________________________________________________________ 41 2.2.1. Overview of the overarching goal ______________________________________________________________________________________ 41 2.2.2. Detailed action plan ___________________________________________________________________________________________________42 CONCLUSIONS ________________________________________________________________________________ 59 REFERENCES: _________________________________________________________________________________ 61 ALB: Albania AP: Action Plan CoAP: Conservation Action Plan EU: European Union GJF: Grecian Juniper Forests GMP: Grazing management plan GRC: Greece MKD: FYR of Macedonia NGO: Non Governmental Organisation NP: National Park PAMA: Protected Areas Management Bodies (Authorities) PPCC: Prespa Park Coordination Committee PPMC: Prespa Park Management Committee SAP: Strategic Action Programme SPP: Society for the Protection of Prespa TDA: Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis TPP: Transboundary Prespa Park TTT: Technical Task Team UNDP: United Nations Development Programme 33 photo: Lj. Stefanov 1 SUMMARY The Prespa lake watershed is one of the least areas with well- preserved forest habitats of Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb.) in the Balkan Peninsula. Grecian juniper forests are considered as a priority habitat in the Habitats Directive and the habitats in the Greek part of Prespa are specified as: *Endemic forests with Juniperus spp. - 42.A3 - Grecian juniper woods (Juniperetum excelsae) - forest formations dominated by Juniperus excelsa, of the Ostryo-Carpinion zone of the mountains of northern Greece (up to 900-1000m, around Lake Prespa). The most important plant species in the Grecian juniper woods are: Euphorbia characias, Sternbergia colchiciflora, Orchis morio, Ophrys aranifera, Cyclamen hederifolia, Quercus trojana, Cynoglottis barrelieri ssp. serpentinicola, Erodium guicciardii, Eryngium serbicum, Fritillaria gussichiae, Malus florentina, Melampyrum heracleoticum. These species are listed in international conventions and EU Directives (Bern Convention, CITES convention, Habitats Directive) as well as being on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Prespa lake watershed is a region divided among three countries and this internationally important habitat therefore requires transboundary cooperation in order to contribute to its proper management and protection. This Conservation Action Plan for Grecian juniper forests habitat is therefore been realized on a trilateral level within the project “Landscape Scale Conservation in the Prespa Lake Basin – Transboundary Species and Habitat Conservation Action Plans” run by UNDP. Generally, Grecian juniper forests in all three countries appear on limestone, in south or southeast exposures dominated by warm and dry climatic conditions. The total estimated area covered by Grecian juniper forests in Prespa lake watershed is 5,156.31 ha. According the composition and degradation stage, three types of Grecian juniper forests are distinguished: pure, mixed and degraded. The largest area occupied by this habitat is found in Albania (43.59%), while the largest areas of pure, well-developed stands are found in Greece (24.165%). FYR of Macedonia has the least coverage of Grecian juniper forests within the area of interest (15.48%). Certain areas of the Grecian juniper forests distribution overlap with the existing protected areas in the three countries; where they therefore receive a level of protection. However, this habitat 8 Grecian Juniper forests Conservation Action Plan for Grecian Juniper forests in the Prespa Lakes’ Watershed is still exposed to some activities which are mainly of human nature that cause some negative impacts to its health. Some of the identified threats are logging, forest fires, unsustainable livestock grazing, urbanization- construction activities, archeological excavations and poor communication. Also some natural factors can affect the structure and the functions of the Grecian juniper forests, such as the juniper pocket rot. In this context, the overarching goal of this action plan is to ensure the long-term favourable conservation status, sustainable management, restoration and protection of the Grecian juniper stands in the Prespa lake watershed across trans- national boundaries. The major aims and the objectives for each aim are to: • Establish sustainable management of juniper forest, which includes (a) the prevention of illegal cutting, (b) introduction of sustainable management for coppicing and (c) effective enforcement of existing legislation. • Eliminate fires, which includes the improvement of the measures of prevention and presupression in order to decrease the number of fires and burned areas.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ecology and Potential Distribution of the Cretan Endemic Tree Species Zelkova Abelicea
    JournalJournal of Mediterranean of Mediterranean Ecology Ecology vol. 16, vol. 2018: 16, 15-26 2018 © Firma Effe Publisher, Reggio Emilia, Italy Ecology and potential distribution of the Cretan endemic tree species Zelkova abelicea Goedecke, F. & Bergmeier, E. University of Göttingen, Dept. Vegetation and Phytodiversity Analysis, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; [email protected], [email protected] Keywords: Relict species, Species distribution modelling, Ecological niche, Genetic isolation, Metapopulation, Plant conservation, Crete. Abstract Mediterranean mountain forests feature woody species relicts such as Zelkova abelicea, an endemic tree species confined to six spatially and genetically distinct populations in Crete (S Aegean, Greece). We used species distribution modelling to predict the potential distribution of Zelkova abelicea. Comparison of coordinate-based geodata extractions for climate and topography revealed pronounced environmental differences for the metapopulations. Main factors for species distribution models were altitude and temperature seasonality (proxy for west-east gradient) whereas topographic conditions had surpris- ingly little influence on our models. While the most extensive Zelkova metapopulations were found to occur under locally fairly mesic conditions and comprising a wider ecological spectrum, the smaller populations comprising narrower ecological range occurred at lower elevations and further east. For further extrapolation with similar models for known populations, only similar site conditions allowed for a prediction. Differentiated site conditions in the mountains, genetic distinctness and possible environmental adaptations of isolated populations are to be considered in conservation and management. Introduction in the Sicilian mountains (Quézel & Médail 2003). Other prominent examples refer to the genus Zelkova A particularity of Mediterranean forests is the con- (Ulmaceae).
    [Show full text]
  • Trees and Shrubs of Ikaria Island (Greece)*
    ARBORETUM KÓRNICKIE ROCZNIK 41, 1996 Kazimierz Browicz, Jerzy Zieliński Trees and shrubs of Ikaria Island (Greece)* Abstract Browicz К., Zieliński J. 1996. Trees and shrubs of Ikaria island (Greece). Arbor. Kórnickie 41: 15-45. The results are presented of dendrological field studies conducted by the authors on Ikaria in Spring 1994. The woody flora of the island contains 103 spontaneously occurring species, including 82 native and 21 naturalized taxa. Fifteen indigenous and 18 naturalized species are reported for the first time. Point maps of distribution of more interesting or rare species were prepared. Key words: Chorology, trees, shrubs, Greece, Ikaria. Address: K. Browicz, J. Zieliński, Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Dendrology, 62-035, Kórnik, Poland. Accepted for publication, April 1996. INTRODUCTION Ikaria, located in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea, belongs to the Asiatic Greek islands. It constitutes one of the important elements of the disrupted landbridge join­ ing Anatolia and the Balkan Peninsula, stretching from Samos in the east through the Cyklades (Mikonis, Tinos, Andros) to Evvoia in the west. The island is strongly elon­ gated, its maximum length in a straight line being about 30 km while the greatest width in the eastern part is only 9 km. Its area covers 255 km2 and coastal line has 102 km. Ikaria is of montane appearance. Its main mountain range - Oros Atheras, spreads out along the whole length of the island, having the highest peaks 1042 and 1027 m in the east, 981 m in the central part, and 1033 m in the west. Coasts are generally precipitous, rocky and stony.
    [Show full text]
  • The Macrobotanical Evidence for Vegetation in the Near East, C. 18 000/16 000 B.C to 4 000 B.C
    University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons University of Pennsylvania Museum of University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology Papers Archaeology and Anthropology 1997 The Macrobotanical Evidence for Vegetation in the Near East, c. 18 000/16 000 B.C to 4 000 B.C. Naomi F. Miller University of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://repository.upenn.edu/penn_museum_papers Part of the Near Eastern Languages and Societies Commons Recommended Citation Miller, N. F. (1997). The Macrobotanical Evidence for Vegetation in the Near East, c. 18 000/16 000 B.C to 4 000 B.C.. Paléorient, 23 (2), 197-207. http://dx.doi.org/10.3406/paleo.1997.4661 This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. https://repository.upenn.edu/penn_museum_papers/36 For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Macrobotanical Evidence for Vegetation in the Near East, c. 18 000/16 000 B.C to 4 000 B.C. Abstract Vegetation during the glacial period, post-glacial warming and the Younger Dryas does not seem to have been affected by human activities to any appreciable extent. Forest expansion at the beginning of the Holocene occurred independently of human agency, though early Neolithic farmers were able to take advantage of improved climatic conditions. Absence of macrobotanical remains precludes discussion of possible drought from 6,000 to 5,500 ВС. By farming, herding, and fuel-cutting, human populations began to have an impact on the landscape at different times and places. Deleterious effects of these activities became evident in the Tigris-Euphrates drainage during the third millennium ВС based on macrobotanical evidence from archaeological sites.
    [Show full text]
  • Vascular Plant Species Diversity of Mt. Etna
    Vascular plant species diversity of Mt. Etna (Sicily): endemicity, insularity and spatial patterns along the altitudinal gradient of the highest active volcano in Europe Saverio Sciandrello*, Pietro Minissale* and Gianpietro Giusso del Galdo* Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy * These authors contributed equally to this work. ABSTRACT Background. Altitudinal variation in vascular plant richness and endemism is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity. Territories featured by a high species richness may have a low number of endemic species, but not necessarily in a coherent pattern. The main aim of our research is to perform an in-depth survey on the distribution patterns of vascular plant species richness and endemism along the elevation gradient of Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Methods. We used all the available data (literature, herbarium and seed collections), plus hundreds of original (G Giusso, P Minissale, S Sciandrello, pers. obs., 2010–2020) on the occurrence of the Etna plant species. Mt. Etna (highest peak at 3,328 mt a.s.l.) was divided into 33 belts 100 m wide and the species richness of each altitudinal range was calculated as the total number of species per interval. In order to identify areas with high plant conservation priority, 29 narrow endemic species (EE) were investigated through hot spot analysis using the ``Optimized Hot Spot Analysis'' tool available in the ESRI ArcGIS software package. Results. Overall against a floristic richness of about 1,055 taxa, 92 taxa are endemic, Submitted 7 November 2019 of which 29 taxa are exclusive (EE) of Mt.
    [Show full text]
  • An Insight Guide of Prespa Lakes Region Short Description of the Region
    An Insight Guide of Prespa Lakes Region Short description of the region Located in the north-western corner of Greece at 850 metres above sea level and surrounded by mountains, the Prespa Lakes region is a natural park of great significance due to its biodiversity and endemic species. Prespa is a trans boundary park shared between Greece, Albania and FYR Macedonia. It only takes a few moments for the receptive visitor to see that they have arrived at a place with its own unique personality. Prespa is for those who love nature and outdoor activities all year round. This is a place to be appreciated with all the senses, as if it had been designed to draw us in, and remind us that we, too, are a part of nature. Prespa is a place where nature, art and history come together in and around the Mikri and Megali Prespa lakes; there are also villages with hospitable inhabitants, always worth a stop on the way to listen to their stories and the histories of the place. The lucky visitor might share in the activities of local people’s daily life, which are all closely connected to the seasons of the year. These activities have, to a large extent, shaped the life in Prespa. The three main traditional occupations in the region are agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing. There are a lot of paths, guiding you into the heart of nature; perhaps up into the high mountains, or to old abandoned villages, which little by little are being returned once more to nature’s embrace.
    [Show full text]
  • Subsection from Buna to Počitelj - 7.2 Km
    BiodiversityAssessment: Corridor Vc2 Project, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) - subsection from Buna to Počitelj - 7.2 km - March 2016 1 Name: BiodiversityAssessment: Corridor Vc2 Project, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) - subsection from Buna to Počitelj - 7.2 km - Investor: IPSA INSTITUT doo Put života bb 71000 SARAJEVO Language: English Contractor: Center for economic, technological and environmental development – CETEOR doo Sarajevo Topal Osman Paše 32b BA, 71000 Sarajevo Phone:+ 387 33 563 580 Fax: +387 33 205 725 E-mail: [email protected] with: Doc. Dr Samir Đug Mr Sc Nusret Drešković, Date: Mart 2016 Number: 01/P-1478/14 2 1. Flora and Vegetation The southern part of Herzegovina where is situated the alignment is distinguished by the presence of mainly evergreen vegetation with numerous typical Mediterranean plants and rich fauna. 1.1. Flora The largest number of plant species belongs to the various subgroups of Mediterranean floral element. The most abundant plant families are grasses (Poaceae), legumes (Fabaceae) and aster family (Asteraceae), which also indicates Mediterranean and Submediterranean features of the flora. After literature data (Šilić 1996), some 10% of rare, endangered and endemic plant species from Bosnia and Herzegovina grows in Mediterranean region of the country. From this list, in investigated area could be found vulnerable species Celtis tournefortii, Cyclamen neapolitanum, Cyclamen repandum, Acanthus spinossisimus, Ruscus aculeatus, Galanthus nivalis, Orchis simia, Orchis spitzelii and some others. Rare species in this area are: Dittrichia viscosa, Rhamnus intermedius, Petteria ramentacea, Moltkia petraea, and Asphodelus aestivus. By the roads and in the areas under strong human impacts could be found certain introduced species, such as Paspalum paspaloides, P.
    [Show full text]
  • Contribution to the Biosystematics of Celtis L. (Celtidaceae) with Special Emphasis on the African Species
    Contribution to the biosystematics of Celtis L. (Celtidaceae) with special emphasis on the African species Ali Sattarian I Promotor: Prof. Dr. Ir. L.J.G. van der Maesen Hoogleraar Plantentaxonomie Wageningen Universiteit Co-promotor Dr. F.T. Bakker Universitair Docent, leerstoelgroep Biosystematiek Wageningen Universiteit Overige leden: Prof. Dr. E. Robbrecht, Universiteit van Antwerpen en Nationale Plantentuin, Meise, België Prof. Dr. E. Smets Universiteit Leiden Prof. Dr. L.H.W. van der Plas Wageningen Universiteit Prof. Dr. A.M. Cleef Wageningen Universiteit Dr. Ir. R.H.M.J. Lemmens Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, WUR Dit onderzoek is uitgevoerd binnen de onderzoekschool Biodiversiteit. II Contribution to the biosystematics of Celtis L. (Celtidaceae) with special emphasis on the African species Ali Sattarian Proefschrift ter verkrijging van de graad van doctor op gezag van rector magnificus van Wageningen Universiteit Prof. Dr. M.J. Kropff in het openbaar te verdedigen op maandag 26 juni 2006 des namiddags te 16.00 uur in de Aula III Sattarian, A. (2006) PhD thesis Wageningen University, Wageningen ISBN 90-8504-445-6 Key words: Taxonomy of Celti s, morphology, micromorphology, phylogeny, molecular systematics, Ulmaceae and Celtidaceae, revision of African Celtis This study was carried out at the NHN-Wageningen, Biosystematics Group, (Generaal Foulkesweg 37, 6700 ED Wageningen), Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, the Netherlands. IV To my parents my wife (Forogh) and my children (Mohammad Reza, Mobina) V VI Contents ——————————— Chapter 1 - General Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2 - Evolutionary Relationships of Celtidaceae ..................................................................... 7 R. VAN VELZEN; F.T. BAKKER; A. SATTARIAN & L.J.G. VAN DER MAESEN Chapter 3 - Phylogenetic Relationships of African Celtis (Celtidaceae) ........................................
    [Show full text]
  • Hyrcanian Vegetation
    Plant Formations in the Hyrcanian BioProvince Peter Martin Rhind Hyrcanian Alnus-Pterocarya Forest These ancient yet ill-defined forests are confined mostly to damp and poorly drained soils on the coastal plain. They are characterized by the near endemic Alnus subcordata (Betulaceae) and Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Juglandaceae). Common associates include Acer insigne, Albizia julibrissin, Alnus glutinosa, Buxus sempervirens, Celtis australis, Diospyros lotus, Ficus carica, Fraxinus excelsior, Melia azedarach, Mesilus germanica, Morus nigra, Paliurus spina-christa, Prunus laurocerasus, Punica granatum and Salix fragilis, while common endemic or near endemic species are Gleditsia caspica (Fabaceae), Populus caspica (Salicaceae), and Prunus caspica (Rosaceae). The shrub layer comprises Andrache colchica, Hypericum androsaemum, Sambucus edulis and several endemic taxa like Epimedium pinnatum subsp. pinnatum (Berberidaceae), Ruscus hyrcanus (Liliaceae) and Teucrium hyrcanus (Lamiaceae). These forests are also characterised by the presence of numerous lianas and climbers, which occur on many of the trees and shrubs - typical species are Clematis vitalba, Hedera colchica, Jasminum officinale, Peroploca graeca, Rubus caesius, Smilax excelsa, Solanum dulcamara, Tamus communis and Vitis sylvestris. Hyrcanian Zelkova-Parrotia Forest These forests, dominated by Zelkova carpinifolia and the near endemic Parrotia persica (Brassicaceae), are primarily confined to the foothills and lower mountain slopes up to about 800 m. For a long time Parrotia was thought
    [Show full text]
  • Prespa Park Report
    PPRREESSPPAA PPAARRKK RREEPPOORRTT PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ON TRANSBOUNDARY FIRE-FIGHTING AND CONTINGENCY COOPERATION IN THE PRESPA PARK AREA Miltos Gletsos Society for the Protection of Prespa Aghios Germanos, February 2004 Funded by the Hellenic Aid – International Development Cooperation Agency of Greece "Although the idea of a natural frontier has long been a basic tenet of geography and political science, the environmental impact of transfrontier cooperation is today unequivocally revealing the spatial continuity of frontier areas and hence the need for their joint management to cope with problems of pollution, soil degradation and optimal land use. The current process of changes in Europe is posing new and compelling challenges to regional co-operation in general and to co- operation in the fields of the environment and the security in particular. With the emergence of new countries with economies in transition, new frontiers are cutting through regions, creating more transboundary situations and issues." (excerpt from a report presented on the 6th session of the Congress of the Local and Regional Authorities of Europe - CLRAE [1]) TRANSBOUNDARY FIRE-FIGHTING AND CONTINGENCY COOPERATION IN THE PRESPA PARK AREA 2 Preliminary Assessment on Transboundary Fire-fighting and Contingency Cooperation in the Prespa Park Area Contents 1. Introduction 4 2. Description of the Area 4 2.1 Geography 4 2.2 Vegetation 4 2.3 Climate 5 2.4 Demographics and Economy 5 3. Forest Fire Situation 6 3.1 Collection of Fire Data 6 3.2 Forest Fire Statistics and Dynamics 6 3.3 Forest Fire Causes 7 4. Fire management organisations 8 4.1 National Level 8 4.2 Prespa Region 9 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Bulletin 8 of the European Dry Grassland Group
    Bulletin 8 of the European Dry Grassland Group Welcome to the eighth Bulletin of the EDGG. In this autumn issue we bring the first circular of the 8th European Dry Grassland Meeting, which will take place in Uman (Ukraine) in June 2011. At the same time, information on other forthcoming events focussing on grassland ecosystems is included. The role of bats in grassland ecosystems is highlighted in the contribution from Mount Varnous (Greece). The detailed introduction to the co-operating organisations, Floristisch- Soziologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft e. V. (FlorSoz), International Association for Vegetation Science (IAVS) and Sand Dune and Shingle Network is an invitation to join these organisations and their activities. Last but not least, a short report from the EDGG expedition is available as a memory of nice summer days or as inspiration for the next growing season. We wish you pleasant reading. Monika Janišová & members of EDGG Executive Committee Content European Dry Grassland Group 2 The 8th European Dry Grassland Meeting 3 Grass-lands as bat-lands: evidence from Mount Varnous, Greece 7 Invitation to join the Floristisch-Soziologische Arbeits- gemeinschaft e. V. (FlorSoz) 10 International Association for Vegetation Science (IAVS) 12 Sand Dune and Shingle Network 14 Impressions from the EDGG Research Expedition 2010 to Central Podilia (Ukraine) 15 Proposals for future venues of European Dry Grassland Meetings: 10th EDGG Meeting in Poland 2013 17 Forthcoming events 18 Activities and subgroups of the European Dry Grassland Group 19 Invitation to SALVERE workshop 20 Forum 23 Recent publications of our members 23 1 September 2010 EDGG homepage: http://www.edgg.org European Dry Grassland Group The European Dry Grassland Group (EDGG) is a net- The EDGG covers all aspects related to dry grass- work of dry grassland researchers and conservationists in lands, in particular: plants - animals - fungi - microbia - Europe.
    [Show full text]
  • Page 1 Adventure Experience Tour in N.Macedonia (Pelagonija / Prespa) and Greece (Prespes) Project: Increasing Tourism Opportuni
    Adventure Experience Tour in N.Macedonia (Pelagonija / Prespa) and Greece (Prespes) Project: Increasing Tourism Opportunities through Utilization of Resources (I-Tour), Implemented by: Center for Development of the Pelagonija Planning Region- Bitola Activities: Multisport adventure combined with local cultural and gastronomy highlights Areas visited: Krushevo, Bitola, Demir Hisar, Pelister national park, Prespes national park, Florina Day 1 N. Macedonia / Tandem paragliding & Horse Riding in Krushevo 08:30-09:30 Welcome group briefing in Krusevo. 09:30-14:00 In recent years Krusevo has earned the reputation of one of Europe’s top tandem paragliding spots due to its high altitude and frequent thermals. The tandem paragliding flights in Krusevo are different than other locations in Macedonia because of the beautiful natural setting (flying over the forests and valleys instead of flying above urban area). The take-off spot is located in the historical area known as Gumenja, near the historical landmark “Meckin Kamen”, only a few kilometers from the center of Krusevo, while the landing spot is usually near the village of Krivogastani. This flight usually lasts for 20-25 minutes. But if the weather is good and guests are lucky to catch nice thermals, the instructor can offer them to stay up in the air for 20 minutes more and to land far away from the previously agreed landing place. There is available ground support team will pick the guests up from where they landed. There is also the option for extended flight for additional cost. Recommended clothing: Hiking boots with ankle support, as well as sunglasses. The paragliding equipment is provided by the tandem provider.
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Greece So Far, the Four Nal Properties Worldwide
    a picture map is included Gastronomy Routes and the culture of Flavours... “The gentle art of gastronomy is a friendly one… it surpasses the language barrier, creates new friendships among civilized people and warms the heart”. Samuel Chamberlain What is “Food Travel” or “Culinary Tourism”? Who can be described as a “Food Traveler” or “Gastro-Tourist”? Nowadays, new tourism products are launched regularly: some are new venues for already existing interests while others are new products that address the demands of new niche-markets. For others, as observed in culinary tourism, it is not so much a new product but rather a focus on recognizing something that already exists, refining and improving the pursuit and enjoyment of unique food and drink experi- ences, both far and near to us! Many governments and local administration authorities throughout the world are turning to tourism initiatives not only to breathe new life into stagnating economies but also to address the grave problem of rural depopulation. Culinary tourism in rural settings holds promise as a potential springboard for rural economies to blossom…! The transaction cooperation network “Gastronomy Routes and the Culture of Flavors” involves 18 Local Action Groups which originate from four Medi- terranean countries, namely Italy, Greece, Portugal and Cyprus. The core and most crucial objective of the “Medeat” cooperation is to suc- ceed in maintaining and promoting the historical, cultural and qualitative dimensions of local cuisine, in a way that also connects it to local indus- tries, cultural events and supplementary tourist activities. This gastronomic guide presents the most interesting gastronomic itinerar- ies of the territory of Kilkis – Imathia – Kozani – Florina, in Greece, as well as practical information concerning the relative places to visit with local produce, food processing units, alternative accommodation premises and similar issues.
    [Show full text]