Monday, September 6, 2010
It hosts some 280 bird species, of which 71 are protected or endangered, including the Dalmatian pelican, the glossy ibis, and the spotted eagle.
The Arachthos and Louros rivers, which flow into the gulf on the northern side, have formed a unique landscape of lagoons, sandy beaches, wild reed habitats, and small islets. The Amvrakikos Gulf is the only place in Balkans where the rare species of the Dalmatian pelican lives all year-round, and together with the Prespes Lakes in Macedonia host today 13% of the world’s population of this species.
In the area, there is also Rodia Lagoon which is protected by the Ramsar Treaty and was declared a national park in 2008, as well as an environmental and ecotourism center called 'Rodia Wetlands Center' which is housed in the village of Stroggili and offers visitors a wealth of information on the area’s rich biodiversity.
Athens Plus (11.06.10): Amvrakikos Gulf (p.36)
