Wildlife Refuge proposed for Gulf of
Kalloni
[news item March 2008]
The Forestry Department of the Northern Aegean proposes
to create a wildlife refuge (no hunting zone) at the top of the Gulf of
Kalloni. The proposed refuge is of 8,200 stremata in extent and would
stretch from the Krioneri to the Tsiknias and from the coast to the
Kalloni - Mytilini Road. It would include the largest and ecologically
best stretch of wetland on the Gulf. There is currently no refuge in the
wetlands and in view of recent irresponsible hunting such as the shooting
of wild swans, red-breasted geese and the wholesale slaughter of
corncrakes (crex crex), the case for creating one is overwhelming. The
Nomarch has expressed his support for the idea. Nautilos organised a
petition in favour and we and they have together gathered 800 signatures
in support. Opposition comes inevitably from the hunters some of whom have
recently created themselves a clubhouse at the back of the Kalloni salt
pans (and thus in the proposed refuge). In addition there are legal
problems over declaring a refuge on private land.
The issue is still pending. Members who wish to add
their support can still write to L. Gribilakou
pvaddasi@otenet.gr