Like Birdwatching Time to Discover Lagoon of Lefkas
If you like birdwatching then it’s about time to discover the beautiful lagoon of Lefkas. In autumn and in October in particular is the best period for fans of birdwatching to visit the area. This wetland used to be a source of wealth for the local community. In fact the lagoon was offering up to 50 tons of fish annually to the local markets in the past. During the Venetian Rule of the island in the 18th century there were official contract agreements for fishing in the lagoon. Now the annual fish production reaches only 5 tons the most and keeps on decreasing.
The International Recognition of Lefkas Lagoon
The lagoon is part of Amvrakikos gulf National park and has been characterized by RAMSAR Treaty as a wetland of international importance. It has been also included in the NATURA 2000 Network . It is a protected area of great ecological importance with a network site name as “LIMNOTHALASSES LEFKADAS”. In autumn and winter the lagoon becomes a migratory stop of several birds. Some of them are very rare like Pelecanus crispus which is globally threatened. Usually you will be able to watch swans, herons, gulls and ducks and if you are lucky enough, flamingos.
Don’t like birdwatching what about Cycling or Jogging
In case you don’t like birdwatching then no problem. It’s good to know that the picturesque scenery of the lagoon is a pole of sports attraction. People like doing cycling or jogging around the lagoon especially in the morning or during sunset under a colorful sky. Moreover an International Half Marathon takes place around the lagoon every year in the beginning of June. Also in the summer the west part of the lagoon becomes very popular for kite surfers. A summer sky full of kites is a common daily view on the sandy beach of Yira. A beautiful beach with some very old windmills which is just beside the lagoon.
The Unknown Future of Lefkas Lagoon
Today the condition of the lagoon is still reversible. After so many years of human’s intervention of overfishing, overirrigating and sewage pollution, the ecosystem of the lagoon still offers food and shelter to various species of birds. However it’s a matter of the local community and authorities to take actions and reverse the lagoon’s condition as it was in the past. Of course this sounds very romantic in times where money and business profits come first. After all it was only some decades ago that there were thoughts to fully build the area either for an airport project or for a real estate plan of luxury hotels !! Nowadays, unfortunately due to Greek economy crisis, the lagoon as a public property of the Hellenic Republic has been included as an investment asset under the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations !!
