Summer University “Integrated Approaches for Sustainable Development Management, Tourism and Local Products in Biosphere Reserves (BRs)” 8 - 15 July 2018, Parnon,

THE PROTECTED AREAS OF PARNON, MOUSTOS, MAINALON & THE ROLE OF THE MANAGEMENT BODY

Boglis Argyris Forester-Environmentalist, MSc Coordinator of the Management Body Institution of «Management Bodies“ The MB of Parnon, Moustos, Mainalon & Monemvasia Key Dates: • 1999: framework of the management of Greece’s PAs by law 2742/1999. • 2002: establishment of management bodies by law 3044/2002. • 2010: establishment of the protected area of mount Parnon and Moustos wetland with the adoption of JMD 33999/2010. • 2010: The list of Greek Special Protection Areas (SPA) for Birds was published in Government Gazette 1495/Β/06.09.2010 as defined in Directive 79/409/EC "on the conservation of wild birds". Institution of «Management Bodies“ The MB of Parnon, Moustos, Mainalon & Monemvasia Key Dates: • 2011: The list of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) was published by law 3937/2011 «Biodiversity conservation and other provisions» as defined in Directive 92/43 / EEC “for the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora”. • 2017: Revision of the national list of sites of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000. • 2018: increase of MBs spatial jurisdiction and founding of 8 more MB by Law 4519/2018 "Management of Protected Areas and other provisions“. Institution of «Management Bodies“ The MB of Parnon, Moustos, Mainalon & Monemvasia Management Body and Protected Areas MB of mount Parnon and Moustos wetland founded in 2002 and has undertaken the protection, promotion and sustainable management of its protected areas.

The protected area was established in autumn 2010, in order to legally protect an area up to 1,140 sq.km as a national natural heritage.

Management Body and Protected Areas According to the Joint Ministerial Decision the protected area includes the following designated areas of Law 1650/1986: A. Strict Nature Reserves: * Highly sensitive ecosystems,

biotopes or habitats of rare 1.Juniperus drupacea forest or endangered species of wild at Malevi Monastery (2.Ι) flora or wildlife, land with a decisive position in the life 2.Moustos wetland (2.ΙΙ): cycle of rare or endangered species of wild fauna. Management Body and Protected Areas Management Body and Protected Areas Management Body and Protected * In these areas only scientific research Areasand no human activity of brief or of permanent nature of intervention in the natural environment are allowed. Management Body and Protected Areas B. Nature Reserves: 1.Forests of Syrian Juniper (Juniperus * These are areas of drupacea) at (3.Ι) 2.Forests of Syrian Juniper (Juniperus ecological or biological drupacea) at Aghios Vasileios- significance, where the Platanaki (3.ΙΙ) natural environment is 3.Forests of Syrian Juniper (Juniperus drupacea) at Palaiochori (3.ΙΙΙ) protected from activities or 4.Important area of flora at mount interventions that may alter Parnon peaks (3.ΙV) or distort the natural state, 5.Important area of flora at Mazia - Kontolina (3V) composition or evolution 6.Important area of flora Agios Ioannis - Oreini Meligou (3V.I) 7.Area of Dafnona Gorge and Μonasteries of Sintza and Elona (3.VII) 8.Moustos wetland (4.I) Management Body and Protected Areas Management Body and Protected Areas Management Body and Protected * A number of existing activities having no Areasnegative effects on the protected area are permitted. Biodiversity of the Protected Areas

Biodiversity: is the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Biodiversity of the Protected Areas Biodiversity of the Protected Areas

• 27 mammal species are recorded to the PAs (excluded bads) • Most important species is the otter (Lutra lutra) and the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus). Biodiversity of the Protected Areas Biodiversity of the Protected Areas

• The protected area is of considerable ornithological interest with at least 249 species of permanent or seasonal basis, while some species are passing during migration or pass randomly from the area. Biodiversity of the Protected Areas

• The ecological importance of all species of bats is enormous as it is a basic regulator of insect populations, both harmful and non-harmful. 22 species of bats have been recorded to the PAs (65% of Greek species) Biodiversity of the Protected Areas Biodiversity of the Protected Areas Biodiversity of the Protected Areas

• At Moustos Lagoon have been recorded 12 fish species. • At the PAs have been recorded 13 reptiles species and 8 amphibians. Management Body and Protected Areas

Recently, by the enactment of Law 4519/2018 (GG/A25/20.02.2018) "Management of Protected Areas and other provisions", the Management Body of Mount Parnon and Moustos wetland was renamed to Parnon, Moustou, Mainalon & Monemvasia.

Its spatial jurisdiction is significantly increased, including the existing area of responsibility and fourteen (14) Natura 2000 sites. Management Body and Protected Areas 1. SAC-SPA - Lake Stymfalia (code: GR 2530002) (1,308 ha). 2. SAC- Mount Oligyrtos (code: GR 2530004) (8,630 ha). 3. SAC- Mount Mainalon (code: GR 2520001) (22,673 ha). 4. SPA- Mounts of Artemisio and Lyrkeio (code: GR 2510004) (11,477 ha). 5. SAC- Lake Taka (code: GR 2520002) (1,033 ha). 6. SAC- Akronafplia and Palamidi (code: GR 2510003) (366 ha). 7. SAC- Moustos lagoon (code: GR 2520003) (368 ha). 8. SAC- Mount Parnon summits and area of ​​Malevi Monastery (code: GR 2520006) (55,767 ha). Management Body and Protected Areas 9. SAC- Monastery of Elona and the gorge - Cave Mana and Blue Lake (code: GR 2520005) (8,293 ha). 10. SAC- Mounts Gidovouni, Chionovouni, Gaidourovouni, Korakia, Kalogerovouni, Koulouchera and Monemvasia, Solomou's Cave, Trypa and Aghios Stephanos Tower & sea zone to Cape Kamili (code: GR 2540001) (38,869 ha). 11. SPA- East Lakonia Mts (code: GR 2540007) (37,566 ha). 12. SAC- estuary, Vrontamas area and marine area of ​​Lakonikos Gulf (code: GR 2540003) (10,632 ha). 13. SPA - Wetlands of Evrotas (code: GR 2540006) (2,172 ha). 14. SAC - Neapolis area and Elafonisos island (code: GR 2540002) (5,493 ha).

Management Body’s Action Plan The Management Body's Action Plan primarily aims to : •The protection of the habitats of flora and fauna. •The protection against any kind of interventions that degrade the ecosystem. •Provide environmental sensitization by disseminating research information about the management & biodiversity of the PA. •Managing the impacts of human activities to maintain ecosystem conservation, cultural heritage use & community values. •Carry out biodiversity monitoring & resource protection programmes. •The surveillance & guarding of the area. •Educate, inform & make the public more aware by providing information about the PAs and promote volunteering. LINE OF ACTIONS

Within the management of the protected areas, four Line of Actions have been established: 1. Recording and monitoring of the biodiversity of the protected area 2. Surveillance/Guarding of the PAs by the Management Body 3. Information/Awareness Raising–Communication Strategy 4. Research and protection actions Recording and monitoring of the biodiversity of the protected area Actions related to recording and monitoring the biotic parameters, conducted by the personnel of the MB, in conjunction with collaborating external partners.

Recording, monitoring and sustainable management of the Flora, Mammals, Birds, Habitat Types, Reptiles and Amphibians, Fungi, Invertebrates, Bats & Fishes of the PA of mount Parnon and Moustos wetland were carried out.

Recording and monitoring of the biodiversity of the protected area Recording and monitoring of the biodiversity of the protected area • Recording of fauna with automatic cameras. • Recording of Cave fauna • Marking the area of endangered sea lilies (Pancratium maritimum). • Seed collection of Juniperus drupacea, in order to investigate the vegetative and inherent proliferation of the species by the TEI of Kavala. • Tissue collection of deceased jackals (Canis aureus) in order to conduct genetic studies of the demographic structure of the jackal population in the wetland of Moustos.

Surveillance/Guarding of the PAs by the Management Body The effective Surveillance/ Guarding of the protected area is assured by the drawing out and implementation of an action plan, which defines the daily presence of staff members in the Protected Area. What Surveillance/Guarding staff do: • keeps records of illegal activities within the PA, • maintains the recreational infrastructures of the forest, • informs the public, • provides guided tours and • offers any kind of assistance to the visitors of the PAs. Surveillance/Guarding of the PAs by the Management Body Surveillance/Guarding of the PAs by the Management Body What Surveillance/Guarding staff CANNOT do: • conduct checks or arrest offenders.

In order to surpass the legal imperfection, the surveillance is in fact restricted: • to observations, • to issuing of verbal warnings and • to immediate notification of the proper authorities (e.g. Forestry Service, Fire Department, Vice-Regional Governor etc.)

Information/Awareness Raising – Communication Strategy The Line of Actions includes: • informing and raising awareness among the locals, the pupils of primary and secondary education but also the visitors, as well as organized groups. Towards this direction, activities with special presentations are held in one of the four Environmental Information Centers , operated by the MB. Presentations can combined with activities, such as: • Hosting special events and actions in response to national, European or international environmental campaigns, such as cleanings of sensitive areas, wild fauna rehabilitation in their natural environment, trekking in paths etc. Information/Awareness Raising – Communication Strategy • Tour guides at the EIC at: • Astros, which hosts the main office of the Management Body, and is , emphasizing on the functions of the Moustos wetland, • Aghios Petros, emphasizing on the mountainous part of Mount Parnon and the Juniperus drupacea forest at Malevi Monastery, • , emphasizing on the interaction of man and nature through a harmonious coexistence, and • Leonidio, emphasizing on the unique flora of Mount Parnon.

Research and protection actions

The Management Body, during its operation, implemented several Projects funded by the European Union and through National funds. All projects aimed at the protection, conservation and sustainable development of the protected area, emphasizing on the protection of its biodiversity. Project LIFE PINUS - Life07 NAT/GR/000286 «Restoration of Pinus nigra forests on Mount Parnonas (GR2520006) through a structured approach», implemented by the Goulandris Natural History Museum/Greek Biotope – Wetland Centre in cooperation with the Region of , the Region of Eastern Macedonia – Thrace and the Management Body of mount Parnon and Moustos wetland.

Research and protection actions Research and protection actions

LIFE PINUS: • has set the basis for the restoration of 46% of the black pine forests on Mount Parnon that had been burnt in the fires of 2007. • introduced a structured approach for the restoration of burnt black pine forests to help forest managers respond to needs for urgent restoration action and decide where, how and when they should put in restoration efforts and resources. The structured approach was widely presented to stakeholders and has been welcomed by forest restoration experts and managers.

Research and protection actions Research and protection actions Research and protection actions

Project “Management of the protected area of Mount Parnon and Moustos wetland” which was funded by the Operational Programme “Environment 2000-2006” of NSRF.

With this project, the MB aimed to implement actions related to its operation, the drafting of the management plan of the PA of Mount Parnon and Moustos wetland, fauna species monitoring of the PA. Research and protection actions

Project “Management of the protected area of Mount Parnon and Moustos wetland” which was funded by the Operational Programme “Environment 2000-2006” of NSRF. In order to enhance the fire protection of the PA, within the project: • eighteen (18) dams were constructed. • water reservoirs at the settlements of the PA were filled. • firebreak zones in the Moustos wetland area were opened. • forest roads were cleared of. • a helicopter and firefighting vehicles refueling tank was constructed. Research and protection actions Project “Protection and Conservation of the Biodiversity of Mount Parnon and Moustos wetland” which was funded by the Operational Programme “Environment and Sustainable Development 2007-2013” of NSRF. The implemented actions, amongst others, were: • Scientific monitoring of the habitat types and flora and fauna species • Scientific identification and mapping of the Moustos wetland • Physicochemical water analyzes to monitor the quality parameters of Moustos wetland • Construction of the Leonidio Information Center and the completion of the Kastanitsa Information Center with the folklore exhibition Research and protection actions Scientific identification and mapping of the Moustos wetland RESULTS

Wetland area (ha) and change per area of the wetland complex. The negative sign indicates a decrease in area

AREA 2012 2003 1973 2012-2003 2012-1973 2003-1973 Kato Vervena marsh 70,72 72,90 103,14 -2,18 -32,42 -30,24 Tanos estuaries 9,11 8,56 17,33 0,55 -8,22 -8,77 Atsigganos marsh 22,30 26,23 88,49 -3,94 -66,19 -62,26 Moustos lagoon 188,02 190,93 309,82 -2,91 -121,80 -118,88 Fokianos marsh 4,39 4,39 4,39 - - - TOTALS 294,54 303,01 523,16 -8,48 -228,63 -220,15 PhytosociologicalLoss of wetland arearesearch: (ha) Moustos 11 types around of habitats 40% were in the rated years as having good1973-2012. conservation value. Research and protection actions Scientific identification and mapping of the Moustos wetland Research and protection actions Physicochemical water analyzes to monitor the quality parameters of Moustos wetland RESULTS • Acid conditions are within normal limits, and is favorable for the development and life of aquatic organisms. •Water in the wetland is brackish due to the influx of the sea. •Due to the high hardness and salinity, the waters are unsuitable for human consumption and irrigation of adjacent crops. •High concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients have been recorded, which, especially in the case of nitrates, appear to be due to pollution of agricultural origin. Research and protection actions Physicochemical water analyzes to monitor the quality parameters of Moustos wetland MB and sustainable development of the area Mount Parnon and the wider area could become a model of mild / alternative forms of tourism due to its  natural resources – complex relief - mild climate (unique flora and fauna, caves, canyons, beaches)  cultural resources (archaeological sites, byzantine / medieval monuments, numerous churches and monasteries, traditional settlements)  accessibility  touristic characteristics: • year round tourism • tourism infrastructure MB and sustainable development of the area In order to become a model of mild / alternative forms of tourism: participation and collaboration of locals is needed, systematic cooperation of all stakeholders, proper and effective information and awareness of both tourists and residents is to be applied. Means to achieve the above: o conduct or participation in seminars / workshops / conferences on sustainable tourism o organization / participation in educational - recreational activities (exhibitions, cultural events, educational programs for children and adults) o management planning for Visitors / Tourists

Proposals for sustainable development

Combining nature and tourism through cultural and other activities Inform citizens and tourists about the area’s beauties, local products, activities and of the benefits that derive by new tourism forms of sustainable development High quality infrastructure and hosting services Consideration of creating alternative forms of transportation, taking into account different target groups (small groups, individualized programs, low prices) Innovative actions through participation of visitors and tourists in local activities

What MB do to reach sustainable development? Promote Volunteering

Objective: Creation and organization of a Volunteer Group

Means of achieving a goal: • Conducting training seminars. • European Voluntary Service - EVS Program • Activation of registered volunteers in actions of the MB What MB do to reach sustainable development? What MB do to reach sustainable development? What MB do to reach sustainable development? Organizing a variety of events Such as: • reintegration events for treatedwild animals.

• voluntary cleaning actions of natural areas in the context of respective public information campaigns.

• Participation in cultural events (Chestnut Festival in Kastanitsa, Cherry Festival in Platanos etc) and not only (70 km race “Kronio Perasma”). What MB do to reach sustainable development? Management Body Parnon, Moustos, Mainalon & Monemvasia Astros Arkadia, P.C. 22001 Tel.: 27550 22021, Fax: 27550 22806 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fdparnonas.gr

Thank you for your attention!