Biodiversity in Greece and the role of the Biodiversity in Greece and the role of the NATURA 2000 networkNATURA 2000 network

presented by the Elegktiko Synedrio presented by the Elegktiko Synedrio (Hellenic Court of Audit )(Hellenic Court of Audit )

Theologia GnardelliTheologia GnardelliSecond rank judgeSecond rank judge

IntroductionIntroduction

Convention on Biological Diversity at Convention on Biological Diversity at the Rio Summit in 1992 (preserve the the Rio Summit in 1992 (preserve the world biodiversity) world biodiversity)

The next steps to promote the The next steps to promote the protection of natural resources: protection of natural resources:

Bern Convention on the conservation Bern Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural of European wildlife and natural habitats habitats

Directive 92/43/EECDirective 92/43/EEC

Four different levels of biodiversity, Four different levels of biodiversity, each having its own special value each having its own special value while at the same time being an while at the same time being an inseparable part of the whole:inseparable part of the whole:

that of genetic diversity that of genetic diversity of species biodiversity of species biodiversity of habitat diversityof habitat diversity of landscape diversity (including not of landscape diversity (including not

only natural habitats but also man-only natural habitats but also man-made ecosystems such as farmland made ecosystems such as farmland and human habitations)and human habitations)

Directive 92/43 of the EEC Council of 21 May Directive 92/43 of the EEC Council of 21 May 19921992

The Habitat Directive: The Habitat Directive:

aims at contributing to the preservation of aims at contributing to the preservation of biodiversity through the conservation of biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora within natural habitats and wild fauna and flora within the territory of the Member States of the the territory of the Member States of the European UnionEuropean Union

provides for the development of a network of provides for the development of a network of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), called Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), called NATURA 2000 which aims at ensuring a NATURA 2000 which aims at ensuring a protection status for the natural habitats and protection status for the natural habitats and species of Community interest. species of Community interest.

The NATURA 2000 networkThe NATURA 2000 network

This network will consist of sites that This network will consist of sites that host various types of natural habitats host various types of natural habitats and flora and fauna species listed in and flora and fauna species listed in Annexes I and II respectively. It is Annexes I and II respectively. It is expected that the above network will expected that the above network will ensure the conservation and ensure the conservation and hopefully the restoration of the hopefully the restoration of the various types of natural habitats and various types of natural habitats and habitats of species within their habitats of species within their natural boundaries. natural boundaries.

I.THE HELLENIC HABITAT PROJECTI.THE HELLENIC HABITAT PROJECT

The implementation of the Directive The implementation of the Directive 92/43/EEC in Hellas started in June 92/43/EEC in Hellas started in June 1994 with the execution of the project 1994 with the execution of the project Inventory, Identification, Evaluation and Inventory, Identification, Evaluation and Mapping of the Habitat types and Flora Mapping of the Habitat types and Flora and Fauna species in Hellas and Fauna species in Hellas

It was approved by the competent It was approved by the competent Community committees (Habitat Community committees (Habitat Committee 3-4/6/94 and Life Committee 3-4/6/94 and Life Committee 5-6/10/94)Committee 5-6/10/94)

It has been executed by the It has been executed by the Goulandris Natural History Museum Goulandris Natural History Museum through the Hellenic Biotope/Wetland through the Hellenic Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY), in co-operation with Centre (EKBY), in co-operation with the Schools of Biology at the the Schools of Biology at the Universities of Athens, Thessaloniki Universities of Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras between 1/6/1994 and and Patras between 1/6/1994 and 31/3/1996, following a three-month 31/3/1996, following a three-month extension. extension.

The project was funded 75% by the The project was funded 75% by the EU and 25% by the Hellenic National EU and 25% by the Hellenic National Authorities, i.e, the Ministry of Authorities, i.e, the Ministry of Environment, Phusical Planning and Environment, Phusical Planning and Public Works and the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture (General Secreteriat of Agriculture (General Secreteriat of Forests and Natural Environment). Forests and Natural Environment).

The total amount of funding came up The total amount of funding came up to 1,301,333 ECUs. to 1,301,333 ECUs.

II. DIRECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION - SITE II. DIRECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION - SITE SELECTION PROCEDURESELECTION PROCEDURE

In the framework of the project, 296 sites In the framework of the project, 296 sites were selected and studied mainly with were selected and studied mainly with regard to the habitat types of Annex I and regard to the habitat types of Annex I and the plant and animal species of Annex II. the plant and animal species of Annex II.

A significant number of other important A significant number of other important species which occur in Greece, not species which occur in Greece, not included in Annex IIincluded in Annex II were were also identified also identified and recordedand recorded (see table 1)(see table 1)

The studied sites cover the entire The studied sites cover the entire countrycountry

Altogether they cover 18% of the Altogether they cover 18% of the land surface of Greece, or land surface of Greece, or approximately 2,360,000 ha, approximately 2,360,000 ha, excluding the entirely marine sites.excluding the entirely marine sites.

The choice and delineation of the The choice and delineation of the above sites based on a combination above sites based on a combination of two approaches: biodiversity and of two approaches: biodiversity and landscape ecologylandscape ecology

The first phase of the project was The first phase of the project was completed on 20 April 1995, when all completed on 20 April 1995, when all the Standard Data Forms (SDF) were the Standard Data Forms (SDF) were returned to EKBY. returned to EKBY.

This was followed by evaluation and This was followed by evaluation and checking of the data in the SDFs. checking of the data in the SDFs.

A preliminary list of sites was A preliminary list of sites was communicated to the associated communicated to the associated services in September 1994 for services in September 1994 for comments and suggestions. comments and suggestions.

In June 1995 an evaluated list of In June 1995 an evaluated list of sites was sent to the associated sites was sent to the associated services (the ministries of services (the ministries of Environment and Agriculture) and Environment and Agriculture) and the European Commission (DG-XI). the European Commission (DG-XI).

The preliminary delineation of the The preliminary delineation of the studied sites (maps in scale studied sites (maps in scale 1:100,000) were also included in 1:100,000) were also included in the package. the package.

In December 1995 the final version of In December 1995 the final version of the database (diskettes) and the the database (diskettes) and the completed Standard Data Forms completed Standard Data Forms (paper) were promptly sent to the (paper) were promptly sent to the associated services and the EU. associated services and the EU.

Following the three month extension Following the three month extension of the project (until 31/3/1996) an of the project (until 31/3/1996) an updated version of the Database and updated version of the Database and maps with the final boundaries of the maps with the final boundaries of the sites were developed.sites were developed.

III. GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE III. GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE PROPOSED SITESPROPOSED SITES

SSeveral interesting conclusions can be everal interesting conclusions can be drawn from the statistics of the results drawn from the statistics of the results risen during the course of this research. risen during the course of this research. The distribution of proposed “Natura The distribution of proposed “Natura 2000” sites in the different 2000” sites in the different administrative regions of Greece is administrative regions of Greece is shown in Fig.1.shown in Fig.1.

Fig. 1 Distribution of proposed Natura 2000 sites in the administrative regions of Greece.

The area covered by the proposed sites in The area covered by the proposed sites in relation to the total area of thirteen different relation to the total area of thirteen different

administrative regions of Greece, is shown in administrative regions of Greece, is shown in Fig.2Fig.2..

Regarding site magnitude, small sites (0-1000 Regarding site magnitude, small sites (0-1000 ha) make up around 15% of all sites, whereas ha) make up around 15% of all sites, whereas almost one third of the sites are medium-sized almost one third of the sites are medium-sized

(1001-5000 ha) (Fig.3).(1001-5000 ha) (Fig.3).

Generally the majority Generally the majority of sites are of sites are mountainous (Fig.4) mountainous (Fig.4) which reflects the which reflects the mountainous mountainous character of the character of the country.country.

On the other hand, On the other hand, almost one third of the almost one third of the sites have a maximum sites have a maximum altitude of 300 m, altitude of 300 m, mainly consisting of mainly consisting of valleys, coasts, marine valleys, coasts, marine areas, etc.areas, etc.

During the last century, Greece has lost During the last century, Greece has lost more than two thirds of its original more than two thirds of its original wetland area, due to extensive drainage wetland area, due to extensive drainage projects, started in 1889 with lake Kopais projects, started in 1889 with lake Kopais and terminated in 1973 with Agoulinitsa and terminated in 1973 with Agoulinitsa Lagoon.Lagoon.

The remaining wetlands have suffered The remaining wetlands have suffered from extensive degradation affecting from extensive degradation affecting most of their functions and values.most of their functions and values.

IV. THE FORMER LAKE KARLA IV. THE FORMER LAKE KARLA REHABILITATION REHABILITATION

In the last two decades the trend of wetland In the last two decades the trend of wetland degradation in Greece is decelerating or degradation in Greece is decelerating or even being reversed in some cases, with the even being reversed in some cases, with the funding of pilot or medium scale projects.funding of pilot or medium scale projects.

The most promising examples: the cases of The most promising examples: the cases of the wetlands of Karla in Thessaly and the wetlands of Karla in Thessaly and Mavrouda in Macedonia where the Mavrouda in Macedonia where the restoration planning phases have already restoration planning phases have already been approved and construction works are been approved and construction works are being in progress. being in progress.

The important common feature of these two The important common feature of these two projects is the fact that they are both projects is the fact that they are both strongly supported by the local communitiesstrongly supported by the local communities

Site Name: KARLA-MAVROVOUNI-Site Name: KARLA-MAVROVOUNI-KEFALOVRYSO VELESTINOUKEFALOVRYSO VELESTINOU

The site includes Mavrovouni mountain, The site includes Mavrovouni mountain, two water reservoirs at the area of the two water reservoirs at the area of the former Lake Karla (see photo 1) and the former Lake Karla (see photo 1) and the spring Kefalovryso in Velestino.spring Kefalovryso in Velestino.

Photo 1. A panoramic view of the place occupied by the ancient Lake Karla (the mythological god Apollo got married on its shores, when it was called Lake Veisis)

The following elements indicate the The following elements indicate the

ecological importance of the site: ecological importance of the site:

It has a varied morphology, including a It has a varied morphology, including a mountain, two water reservoirs-wetlands mountain, two water reservoirs-wetlands and a spring and a great variety of habitat and a spring and a great variety of habitat types. types.

It shelters an interesting fauna of reptiles, It shelters an interesting fauna of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, most of which amphibians, and mammals, most of which are protected at a national and are protected at a national and international level and are of Community international level and are of Community interest. There are also several species of interest. There are also several species of fish.fish.

Other elements:Other elements:

The extended, well-conserved deciduous The extended, well-conserved deciduous forests. forests.

The rich variety of birds, especially raptors The rich variety of birds, especially raptors observed on Mavrovouni. observed on Mavrovouni.

The reservoirs have partially replaced Lake The reservoirs have partially replaced Lake Karla and a variety of wintering and Karla and a variety of wintering and migrating water birds and raptors use migrating water birds and raptors use them. Many species have already been re-them. Many species have already been re-established in the wetland.established in the wetland.

The funding by the Operational The funding by the Operational Programme “Environment”Programme “Environment”

The rehabilitation of the former lake Karla The rehabilitation of the former lake Karla has also been funded by the Operational has also been funded by the Operational Programme(O.P.) “Environment” which Programme(O.P.) “Environment” which has been approved by the European has been approved by the European Commission for the period of 2000-2006. Commission for the period of 2000-2006.

This Programme involves Community This Programme involves Community support for all Greek regions within the support for all Greek regions within the Objective 1 framework (regions lagging Objective 1 framework (regions lagging behind in their development) and under behind in their development) and under Priority 5 "Quality of life" of the Priority 5 "Quality of life" of the Community Support Framework (CSF) for Community Support Framework (CSF) for Greece. Greece.

The total volume of investments The total volume of investments amounts to 449,200 million euros amounts to 449,200 million euros with 321 million euros (71,46%) with 321 million euros (71,46%) coming from the ERDF.coming from the ERDF.

One of the Programme priorities is One of the Programme priorities is Priority 8: Management of protected Priority 8: Management of protected natural sites and habitats (total cost natural sites and habitats (total cost 206,9 millions of euros – EU 206,9 millions of euros – EU contribution: ERDF 141,15 millions of contribution: ERDF 141,15 millions of euros).euros).

Under this priority, measures will be taken Under this priority, measures will be taken for the protection, management and for the protection, management and organisation of protected natural sites and organisation of protected natural sites and habitats of the network NATURA 2000. habitats of the network NATURA 2000.

Under this priority, measures will be taken Under this priority, measures will be taken for the protection, management and for the protection, management and organisation of protected natural sites and organisation of protected natural sites and habitats of the network NATURA 2000. habitats of the network NATURA 2000.

In Greece, there are 26 natural sites In Greece, there are 26 natural sites covered by this network. covered by this network.

One of these is the site of the former lake One of these is the site of the former lake Karla.Karla.

The role of the Hellenic Court of AuditThe role of the Hellenic Court of Audit

The Hellenic Court of Audit does not carry The Hellenic Court of Audit does not carry out performance auditout performance audit. .

Nevertheless, by verifying the financial Nevertheless, by verifying the financial activity of the Public Administration, either activity of the Public Administration, either a priori or a posteriori, it actually interferes a priori or a posteriori, it actually interferes in every activity of various bodies with in every activity of various bodies with financial results(revenues or expenses).financial results(revenues or expenses).

It has also the possibility, through It has also the possibility, through the receipts or payments, to examine the receipts or payments, to examine directly the financial action itself and directly the financial action itself and indirectly (incidentally) every other indirectly (incidentally) every other relevant administrative act,relevant administrative act,

so as to find out whether they are in so as to find out whether they are in accordance with the provisions for the accordance with the provisions for the nature protection, or the existing nature protection, or the existing environmental conditions. environmental conditions.

Almost every administrative act Almost every administrative act produces generally a financial result, produces generally a financial result, subject to the verification of the subject to the verification of the Hellenic Court of AuditHellenic Court of Audit

Consequently, the Court’s Consequently, the Court’s interference in the environmental interference in the environmental activities is broad and can be activities is broad and can be important.important.

The Elegktiko Synedrio (Hellenic The Elegktiko Synedrio (Hellenic Court of Audit) has conducted an Court of Audit) has conducted an audit on the former lake Karla audit on the former lake Karla rehabilitation, which is funded by the rehabilitation, which is funded by the O.P. “Environment”O.P. “Environment”

The audit was focused on the “Karla The audit was focused on the “Karla water reservoirs and related water reservoirs and related works”(of a total amount of works”(of a total amount of 110.000.000 euros) and the 110.000.000 euros) and the “Technical consultant for the lake “Technical consultant for the lake Karla rehabilitation” (of a total Karla rehabilitation” (of a total amount of 1.555.000 euros).amount of 1.555.000 euros).

This audit was a financial one (legality and This audit was a financial one (legality and regularity audit)regularity audit)

It has been carried out on a sample basis It has been carried out on a sample basis by means of compliance tests and audit by means of compliance tests and audit questionnaires (sent to the auditee before questionnaires (sent to the auditee before the on the spot visit of the audit team.the on the spot visit of the audit team.

The audit report has not been finalized The audit report has not been finalized yet.yet.

CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS

The conservation of biodiversity at all The conservation of biodiversity at all levels is not a romantic ideal but a levels is not a romantic ideal but a precondition for the sustainable precondition for the sustainable management of natural resources, and management of natural resources, and consequently for the survival of man consequently for the survival of man himself. himself.

The implementation of Directive The implementation of Directive 92/43/EEC for the conservation of natural 92/43/EEC for the conservation of natural habitats and wildlife and the creation of habitats and wildlife and the creation of the European NATURA 2000 network will the European NATURA 2000 network will contribute significantly to biodiversity contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation.conservation.

Furthermore, a significant number of Furthermore, a significant number of habitat types and an even larger habitat types and an even larger number of native endangered species number of native endangered species of Greece have been left out of these of Greece have been left out of these Annexes. Annexes.

The competent Greek authorities The competent Greek authorities must work to ensure that these must work to ensure that these habitat types and native plant and habitat types and native plant and animal species are included in the animal species are included in the forthcoming adaptation of the forthcoming adaptation of the Directive. Directive.

The Elegktiko Synedrio should The Elegktiko Synedrio should discover ways to accompany and discover ways to accompany and support the public administration support the public administration efforts for the nature protection so as efforts for the nature protection so as to contribute in the near future to the to contribute in the near future to the exchange of knowledge and exchange of knowledge and experience on this subject.experience on this subject.

Retaining however its traditional Retaining however its traditional auditing role and preserving at the auditing role and preserving at the same time its judicial nature and same time its judicial nature and function.function.