Location

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is the only park of its kind in Greece and it was established on December 1, 1999 as a result of? the presidential degree signed by the President of the Greek republic.

It is located on the southern coast of Zakynthos island and it includes the marine area and land of Laganas gulf, where the major nesting sites of the sea turtle caretta caretta are situated. The park also includes the wetland of Keri lake, Marathonisi and Pelouzo islands and two smaller islands (Strofadia) 50 miles southern of the island.

Organization

The Management Agency of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos was formed on July 20, 2000 according to a national Governmental Ministerial Decision and it is a non governmental organization.

It remains the only agency currently in Greece which is responsible for the management and protection of protected environmental area.

The Management body is consisted of a President and 10 members, who are representatives of the local authorities, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and the non governmental organizations (WWF, Medasset, Archelon).

The expenditure of the Park are covered mainly by a European Programme called Operational Program "Environment", part of the 3rd Community Support Framework (2000-2006) for Greece.

According to Mr Sourbet Laurent, from the Integrated Planning The aims of the body are strongly related to the sustainable development of the island, by providing effective solutions in accordance to the protection of the ecosystem and the needs of the local community.

Related Links

Official Site

Sea turtle Organization