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we work for Nature, we serve Man

Supported by the European Union through the European Commission's financial instrument for nature conservation (Life-Nature), the Prefectural Authority of Drama-Kavala-Xanthi undertook to carry out a multifaceted Project that aspires to restore and manage the natural assets of the Nestos River region in Northeastern Greece.
The Project "Habitat Management and Raptor Conservation in Nestos Delta and Gorge", with a budget of 1,248,000 EURO cofinanced at the rate of 75% by the European Union, involves also the Forest Services of Kavala and Stavroupoli, the Society for Protection of Nature and Ecodevelopment, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, Master Hellas Consulting S.A. and the Fisheries Research Institute.
With the collaboration of its aforementioned Partners, the Prefectural Authority of Drama-Kavala-Xanthi will carry out a set of actions in three areas, namely in the Nestos Gorge, in the Lagoons of the Nestos Delta and in the vicinity of the Mouth and the Riparian forest of the Nestos River in order to confront the following threats:
- Insufficient food supply for large raptors in the protected areas
- Lack of appropriate nesting sites for terns
- Ground and surface water problems that arise from sea water intrusion
- Degradation of the Riparian forest

The expected results of the Project are:
- In the Nestos Delta, important parts of priority forests will be recovered by reconnecting them to the water regime of the Nestos river and replanting former fields, thus, creating one large core area capable of sheltering several endangered wildlife species (the Otter, the Lesser-spotted Eagle and White-tailed Eagle) as well as benefit a number of other species like three fresh-water fish species, terrapins and tortoises.
- At the Lagoons, the artificial breeding islets will help three tern species to increase their numbers and provide important roost sites for Dalmatian Pelicans in winter.
- In the Nestos Gorges, more food and less poaching will contribute to stabilise and increase the population of vultures and eagles and might even bring back some species that do not breed in the area anymore like the Black Vulture and the White-tailed Eagle.

The compensation works for fishermen and eco-touristic development measures are designed to help raise awareness and gain acceptance for the Project in the local communities.
The success of this effort will lead to a solid starting point for the development of alternative economic activities in the region concerned, capable not only to promote the unique beauty and the ecological value of the Nestos ecosystem but also, to bring about a social behaviour that will combine the demand for prosperity with the protection of the environment.