Biodiversity and Conservation Actions on Mount Voras, Greece

Mount Voras is covered by natural ecosystems comprising forests and sub-alpine grasslands. In the foot- hills are 18 communities with a population of 15,460. Until 1989, the main land use was forestry and sheep grazing. There is a high biodiversity of flora, represented by 1400 species, including many indigenous of the Balkan Peninsula. Very important also is the ornithological value of the moun- tain, which has been included in the European Union (EU) Network of Special Protection Areas. Although nature con- servation and traditional land use are in a balance, recent studies have concluded that several parts of the mountain should be designated for protection and that conservation measures should be undertaken for others. This stemmed from the concern that degradation of the environment may occur, because there has been an attempt during the last decade to develop the area for multiple land use, especially tourism. Before designation, the main action has been the preparation of a three-ministerial resolution, which provides for protection zones and for specific measures, in order to regulate the existing and future activities. Additionally, the production of management plans and monitoring for environ- mental changes has been of high priority.