Interim safeguards to the Kalloni wetlands
[news item September 2005]
Given the
difficulty of making immediate progress on either the Plan for the
Wetlands or on reversing the infilling that has already taken place, we
considered what other action we might take. As a starting point we
conducted a survey of the Gulf to identify conservation priorities and
opportunities. This was undertaken in May 2005 and is available as a
download. The report identifies a
number of small and inexpensive actions by local mayors that could improve
the situation. It also asks for Environmentally Friendly Farming schemes
to protect the wetlands from agricultural change, investigations of
appropriate management of key sites, an extension of fines for dumping,
and the creation of nature reserves. We will join with LEPET in discussing
these proposals with the authorities and urging action.
We are also
exploring with LEPET the possibility of acquiring land adjacent to the
Skala Polychnitou salt pans to be managed as a nature reserve.