Messolonghi Lagoon (GR)

   The wetland "Messolonghi Lagoon" is located in the western part of Sterea Hellas, in the prefecture of Aetoloakarnania and it consists of the lagoons of Messolonghi and Aetoliko, while the widest area of the wetland reaches Evinos river to the east and the estuaries of Acheloos river to the west. The wetlands' total expansion is 258.000 1000m? and it has been created, through the years, from brought material of Acheloos and Evinos rivers that formed an extensive system of shallow waters (0,45 - 1,65 m).

   Part of the lagoon has been designated as an area of Special Protection according to the 79/409/EEC Directive, for the protection of bird fauna. It is also a demarcated wetland of international importance, according to the Ramsar convention, while the area has been also integrated to the Network of Natural Landscape and Areas (Natura 2000).

   The lagoon is a significant wintering place for large populations of birds and a vital stop-over during the migration of others, as it provides nesting places for rare aquatic birds and feeding places for several predatory species. More specifically, the lagoons' bird fauna consists of a total of 226 species, 95 of which live in the wetland throughout the year. There have also been observed 14 mammal species, 28 amphibians and reptiles, and 40 fish-fauna species. The wetlands' flora embraces at least 385 species. Ecosystems of evergreen broadleaved, deciduous broadleaved, riparian forests, lush aquatic vegetation, sandune - halophytic and mixed vegetation are also observed in the area.

   In the last years more and more bird species are lost or run the risk of disappearing for ever from the area. This decrease is not owed to nature but it is mainly caused by human activities which bring about grave perturbations and decline in the natural habitat of the lagoon.

   The most serious anthropogenous created problems are the following:

     

a. destruction of the wetland (draining, land reclamation, intensive cultivation, road formation, pasturing)
     

b. change of hydrologic equilibrium due to dams and intensive irrigation
     

c. degradation of water quality due to liquid and solid waste, pesticide runoffs and insecticides
     

d. biodiversity changes (usually fishing, poaching, intensive and illegal hunting, capture of birds)
     

e. disturbance during reproductive season
     

f. Uncontrolled waste landfills