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Great news for Caretta-Caretta turtles !!

by | 15-05-2015 05:56 recommendations 0

Yes! There are great news for the sea turtle of "Caretta-Caretta" and the major part of the Bay of Kyparissia in Peloponissos, South Western Greece!

The region Bay of Kyparissia was threatened by the residential development, as I have mentioned in the article written about 3 months ago.
https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=11655

The highest court of Greece decided that this entire region will be upgraded from an area Natura 2000, to a National Park!

Natura 2000 is an initiative of the EU, which protects regions with sensitive and fragile ecosystem from residential, tourist and generally financial development, meaning that such development must be consistent with the special elements of the area, flora, fauna, habitats, etc.

In Greece, National Parks are characterized wide areas which either because of their position, or their ecological, natural importance, are considered important to a national level, and are treated with special protection.

The reasons why Bay of Kyparissia is characterized as National Park is:
1. It is the major dune area in Greece. Dunes are decreasing in number in Greece, and in some places they have even been completely wiped off.
2. It has a large seaside forest of the rare pine variety "Khalepis" in a distance of 100-200m. This makes the area ecologically valuable
3. The variety of vegetation is highly unique and is representative of the best preserved dune in Greece.
4. Kyparissia Bay is the second biggest beach of Caretta-caretta turtle reproduction in the whole Mediteranean Sea.

National parks enjoy the protection measures above:
1. Residential units are not allowed to be built and measures must be taken to keep the area unspoilt.
2. It is not allowed for large tourist complexes and forms of intense activity to take place in it (water sports, umbrellas, etc.)
3. Only traditional activites are allowed (e.g. olive cultivation)

It's really satisfying to see such an environmental measure to take place!
The natural environment of the Bay of Kyparissia will stay unspoilt for the next generations!

This example shows how much people can achieve by maintaining their goals and not giving up.
Even though the bay was already considered "Natura 2000", many local residents complained that it was not being treated properly.
Even though their demands for its protection did not get fulfilled immediately, the constant effort made them reach their goal.


 
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6 Comments

  • says :
    @Konstantinos, Wow I can't wait to hear from you. Good luck on your upcoming check-up :D
    Posted 21-05-2015 11:05

  • says :
    Thanks for your encouraging comments! I am glad that once I could say good news about my country's environment :) In about a month I will probably visit the place to observe the turtles and see if everything goes as planned. I will let you know if i see something interesting.
    Posted 18-05-2015 03:57

  • Arushi Madan says :
    This is such a positive news. Glad to know that the highest court there considered the plea of so many conservationists and took a very wise decision which would protect biodiversity. Congrats. Sincere efforts and intentions always bear fruits .
    Posted 15-05-2015 18:35

  • says :
    Such a happy news, finally the highest court of Greece decided to upgrade Bay of Kyparissia as a National Park. For sure this step will be a milestone in conservation of entire biodiversity over the place and pretty Caretta- Caretta turtules can live happily.
    Thank you for sharing happy news dear Konstantinos :)
    Posted 15-05-2015 14:28

  • says :
    Wow, I am sooooooooooooo happy to hear the news, Konstantinos. Thank you for sharing the great news :D I remember the prior story posted by you and felt desperation. As you said, I did learn the importance of not giving up. You guys made it, congratulations for all people tried their best to save the turtles and for the lovely Caretta-Caretta turtles!
    Posted 15-05-2015 11:28

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