Halikiopoulou Lagoon has become a rubbish tip
Halikiopoulou Lagoon
05 Dec 2020
/ 13:06
CORFU. An Enimerosi reader took photos and a video of the lakeside area at Halikiopoulou Lagoon which has become full of rubbish.
It has become full of all kinds of waste, mattresses and, of course, plastic, which is especially dangerous for the local fauna.
This long-suffering wetland area surrounds Corfu Airport and is just a few hundred metres from Mouse Island, Corfu's iconic landmark and possibly one of the greatest attractions in Greek tourism.
This is, unfortunately, yet another example of a "protected" Natura area being neglected. Enimerosi reported a similar distressing situation in Alykes Lefkimmi, which is a stopping point for the beloved pink flamingo.
Up to now, no Municipality or organisation has taken on the responsibility of systematically cleaning the coastal and wetland areas. There are occasional clean-ups but this is not a systematic solution to the problem.
Four species of amphibians and eleven reptiles have been recorded in the wetland area which is also extremely important for migratory birds. Especially during the migration season a significant number of rare birds can be observed on the banks of Halikiopoulou Lagoon such as the Great Egret, an endangered species.
Approximately 50% of the wetland is within the Special Conservation Zone and the whole of the area has been characterised as an Important Bird Area.
Video & Photos: Maria Boua
This long-suffering wetland area surrounds Corfu Airport and is just a few hundred metres from Mouse Island, Corfu's iconic landmark and possibly one of the greatest attractions in Greek tourism.
This is, unfortunately, yet another example of a "protected" Natura area being neglected. Enimerosi reported a similar distressing situation in Alykes Lefkimmi, which is a stopping point for the beloved pink flamingo.
Up to now, no Municipality or organisation has taken on the responsibility of systematically cleaning the coastal and wetland areas. There are occasional clean-ups but this is not a systematic solution to the problem.
Four species of amphibians and eleven reptiles have been recorded in the wetland area which is also extremely important for migratory birds. Especially during the migration season a significant number of rare birds can be observed on the banks of Halikiopoulou Lagoon such as the Great Egret, an endangered species.
Approximately 50% of the wetland is within the Special Conservation Zone and the whole of the area has been characterised as an Important Bird Area.
Video & Photos: Maria Boua
