In Pamvotis Lake's Protected Area (“NATURA 2000” GR2130005 and GR2130012), dozens of small, permanent and seasonal, natural and artificial wetlands, " the Limnia or ponds", are found. In the center of the basin, Pamvotis Lake dominates, which once occupied a much larger area than it does today, while the draining of the neighboring Lapsista's Lake, during the 1950s, shaped the current image of the area. Dozens of ponds are preserved throughout the basin, forming an integral part of the agricultural mosaic that has been formed by the chronic extensive grazing.
In recent years, the natural environment of this Protected Area is changing rapidly, resulting in the ponds being directly threatened. Many of these small wetlands are significantly burdened by agricultural activity and the subsequent agrochemical pollution, while further degradation is caused by the deposition of various residential (construction) and livestock waste. In addition, the urbanization taking place in the basin and the illegal embankments increase the risk of shrinkage or even disappearance of the ponds. Finally, the reckless introduction of alien fish by individuals into a large number of these wetlands either disrupts the spawning grounds of indigenous amphibian species or leads to the predation of their eggs by these alien species, undermining both the overall biodiversity of the ponds and the very important intraspecific adaptive diversity.
"Limnia" are habitats of great ecological importance, since they support a large number of fauna species (invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, micromammals) while providing breeding sites. At the same time, they offer various ecosystem services such as removing pollutants from water, improving its quality, their use as local water sources, especially in cases of prolonged drought, helping to meet the needs of communities, agriculture and livestock, and contributing to water retention and groundwater enrichment. They also contribute to shaping the microclimate of the region and help to address the impacts of dangerous weather phenomena caused by climate change, while also offering recreational opportunities, enhancing the attractiveness and visitor numbers of an area, contributing to the local economy and development, as well as to the overall quality of residents life.
The Work Package (WP) “Protection and conservation actions for amphibian and reptile species of Union Interest in small wetlands (permanent and seasonal ponds)”[1], implemented by the Management Unit of Protected Areas of Epirus of the NECCA, in collaboration with the scientific team of the Laboratory of Molecular Ecology & Conservation Genetics of the Department of Biological Applications and Technologies of the University of Ioannina, focused on the identification of small permanent and seasonal ponds of the PamvotidisLake';s Ptotected Area, the cartographic mapping of the ponds used as breeding sites for amphibian and reptile species of Union Interest, the investigation of the conservation status of amphibian populations, as well as the identification of ponds in need of immediate restoration [2].
Specifically, the objectives of this project were:
- The detailed recording and distribution of amphibian and reptile species in permanent and seasonal ponds of the responsibility area of the former Management Authority of Pamvotis Lake.
- The assessment of the extent of degradation and pressures on the lakes and their correlation with the presence or absence of target species.
- The undertaking of conservation and restoration actions for the existing network of small wetlands (limnia) in the Pamvotis Lake Protected Area.
- The improvement of the level of information and awareness of the public in relation to the biodiversity of small wetlands (limnia), the importance of permanent and seasonal lakes for the ecosystem services they provide, as well as the risks involved in the introduction of fishes.
The undertaking of conservation and restoration actions of the existing network of small wetlands (llimnia) in the Pamvotis Lake Protected Area, on which this participation focuses, was carried out by the Unit. within the framework of the Deliverables of the P.E. 4.1. for the recording and identification of ponds that require immediate restoration and the undertaking of pilot actions for their protection and conservation (removal of solid waste, removal of fishes, etc.). Specifically, embankments and solid waste were removed from two (2) selected ponds with the ultimate aim of their restoration and enhancement, as well as the recovery and protection of their biodiversity. At the same time, information and awareness-raising actions were implemented regarding the importance of the Pamvotis Lake's ponds and their biodiversity, with the production of printed material (tri-fold informational leaflet and informational poster), while an informational spot-video was also produced.
[1] P.E. 4.1., in the context of the implementation of Subproject 1 of the Act “Management Actions of protected areas, species and habitats in the area of responsibility of the former Management Body of Pamvotis Lake of Ioannina” with MIS Code 5033228 of the Operational Programme “Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development 2014-2020”
[2] The proposed action is in accordance with the Priority Action Framework (PAF) and is included in the activity “(13) Conservation management measures: maintenance & improvement of the good conservation status of species” in code 1d-13 of the group of measures G.1.d Priority Measures for Natura 2000 habitats and species of wetlands.
