In December 1999, the N.M.P.Z., the first National Park in Greece run by a Management Agency was institutionalised by a Presidential Decree (906D/22.12.1999).
Aims and aspirations
The N.M.P.Z was created for the sustainable management of Laganas Bay and surrounding area, the wetland of Lake Keri and the islets of Strofades, with core aspiration the protection of:
fundamental nesting beaches of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta and the population of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus.
habitats of protected bird species, particularly migratory.
habitats of endemic flora.
coastal and marine habitats of meadows (Posidonia Oceanica).
fishery resources and generally the marine bionetwork.
Basic managerial measures
Inclusive managerial planning by bringing together scientific research with legislative implementation.
Protection of nesting beaches, marine area and surrounding region through guard use and adequate marking.
Control over human activity (leisure, building etc.)
Promotion of sustainable development by cooperating with local business.
Programmes of environmental education.
Protected Area
The N.M.P.Z., is positioned at the Southeastern part of the island of Zakynthos covering a total of 11% of its surface (90 km2 of water and 36 km2 of land). The area, representative of Mediterranean and Island ecosystems, includes sandy and rocky beaches and sand dunes around the coast, while forested and agricultural areas on land. The guarding of the nesting beaches is carried out throughout the whole year by guards of the N.M.P.Z., who, always accordingly to existing legislation, ensure the implementation of specific managerial measures.
Cooperation
The N.M.P.Z. is included in the Mediterranean Network MEDPAN, of the EUROPARC FEDERATION, collaborates with national parks from Greece, Italy, France and Spain and works together with NGOs like “WWF HELLAS” and “ΑRCHELON”. In terms of protection and implementation the Management Agency cooperates with a number of public bureaus, like the Police Dpt., the Coast Guard, the Agency of Urban Planning and the Public Real Estate Corporation.