The The EnvironmentEnvironment of Amvrakikos Gulf of Amvrakikos Gulf

The Amvrakikos Gulf, covering approximately 405 km², is a deep indentation in the western coastline of Greece, but maintains its connection with the Ionian sea via a very narrow channel. (around 600 meters in width and between 5 and 15 meters deep. It takes the form of a nearly closed off "inland sea" with a average depth of 26 meters and a maximum depth of 65 meters.

The site is a complex ecosystem consisting of the shallow marine waters, a rare wetland formation of the double delta of Louros and Arachthos rivers, a lagoon system composed of three major lagoons (Rodia, Tsoukalio, Logarou) and some smaller ones along the coast, coastal strips surrounding the lagoons and large areas of riparian and halophytic vegetation. It is one of the largest wetland areas in Mediterranean Europe, characterized by very diverse wetland habitat types. Three of the largest natural lagoons in Greece dominate the site: Rodia and Tsoukalio Lagoons (ca. 32 km2) and Logarou Lagoon (ca. 28 km2). Extensive areas of salt marsh, reed beds and brackish water meadows border the lagoons.

Several commercial fish species (Anguilla anguilla, Mugil spp., Solea spp. Gobius niger, Sparus aurata, Dicentraurchus labrax) are exploited traditionally in the lagoons, which they enter seasonally through openings to the sea.

The Amvrakikos lagoons and adjoining salt marshes are estimated to comprise critical habitat for at least 47 Annex I bird species, including the globally threatened Pelecanus crispus, Phalacrocorax pygmaeus, Aquila clanga, and Numenious tenuirostris.

One of two breeding colonies of the globally threatened One of two breeding colonies of the globally threatened Pelecanus Pelecanus crispuscrispus within the European Union is resident to the site’s lagoons within the European Union is resident to the site’s lagoons and salt marshes. The breeding population of this species in the and salt marshes. The breeding population of this species in the site represents about 20% of the respective total Greek and EU site represents about 20% of the respective total Greek and EU populations and 3.5 % of the global one.populations and 3.5 % of the global one.

Pelicans’ nestingPelicans’ nesting

The Research and Information Centre of Salaora

Significant progressSignificant progressOver the last few years efforts have been made not only to protect and

maintain this unique area, but also to achieve some kind of balanced development. The area of Amvrakikos is among the 11 Greek wetlands which are protected under the international Ramsar Convention as Wetlands of International Importance. In addition, a part of Amvrakikos has been designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), according to the European Union Directive 79/409/EU, while its inclusion in the European Union Natura 2000 Network, as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), has also been put forward.

International recognition of the natural value of Amvrakikos has meant that important support from the European Union and also the Greek public has been forthcoming as far its infrastructure and promotion are concerned.

In recent years, Amvrakikos has built up an impressive infrastructure in areas such as education and public awareness of the natural environment. The visitor centres of Amvrakikos (in Kopraina, Salaora, Strongili and Neohori close to Preveza) provide one of the most complete environmental awareness and interpretation networks in the whole of Greece.

The information centres, the birds hides, projects for nature protection as well as the development of ecotourism, contribute towards the sensitization of the inhabitants as regards the importance of their area and gradually change their general attitude towards development. Balanced and well-planned development and the management of the natural wealth of the area will not only aid the long-term improvement of the living standards of the people but will also mean the conservation of rare wildlife which has always lived here.

Flooded zone. When river Louros overflows its banks

1. ETANAM SA 1.1. Flow chart – structure of ETANAM SA

Name: DEVELOPMENT AGENCY for SOUTH EPIRUS – AMVRAKIKOS SABrand name: ETANAM SALegal form: Limited Company (S.A.)Founded at: 1988Head office: The head office of the company is situated in the town of Preveza, which is the capital of the Prefecture of Preveza , Region of Epirus in the address: Laskaratou, 481 00 PrevezaPhone number: 26820-89150Fax number: 26820-22511E-mail: etanam@etanam.grHTML : http://www.etanam.grTax. Reg. No.: 094243949Tax.dptm.: Preveza

The Company has a branch office in the town of Arta as well, in the Address : Skoufa & Spirou Lamprou 1, 471 00 Arta.Phone number: 26810-77115Fax number: 26810-26934 E-mail: etanam_artas@etanam.gr

ETANAM is subject to the Limited Companies Law but is also α municipal-CO-operative company as provided by the Communal Code (Law 1416)

1. 3. Capital Stock Structure:The shareholders of ETANAM are all the socio-

economic bodies of prefectures Prevezas and Artas, as well as some shareholders from Etoloacarnania

Prefecture.

Shareholders: Municipality of (Preveza, Arta ,Vonitsa, Filipiada, Amfilohia,

Peta, Thesprotiko,

Louros)

Prefecture of (Preveza, Arta, Etoloakarnania)

Union of agriculture cooperatives of (Preveza, Arta, Filippiada, Agrinion, Vonitsa)

Union of fisheries cooperatives of Greece

Chamber of Commerce and industrial (Artas, Agrinio)

Hellenic Bank of Industrial Development

Deposits and Loans Office

Agriculture Bank of Greece

Local Association of municipalities (Preveza, Arta ,Etoloakarnania)

GoalsGoals

The Goals of ETANAM is to promote the The Goals of ETANAM is to promote the socio-economic development of South socio-economic development of South Epirus and Amvrakikos Epirus and Amvrakikos GGulf area, ulf area, through the promotion of water-farming through the promotion of water-farming and mainly the development of and mainly the development of alternative forms of tourism, the alternative forms of tourism, the promotion of local rural products and the promotion of local rural products and the protection of environment and the areas protection of environment and the areas ecological resources. ecological resources.

View of Logarou Lagoon

Foraging and breeding habitat in Tsopeli Lagoon

Traditional fish trapping installations made out of reeds