Protecting Attica's wetlands

Many are familiar with the Schinias marsh, Lake Vouliagmeni, and possibly even the Vourkari wetlands. But Attica actually has 49 more wetlands, not counting known rivers, canals and streams. Most are in moderate or bad condition due to anarchic urban planning, and four have disappeared entirely. A study conducted on the wetlands of Attica reveals the urgency with which they must be placed under institutional protection.

A study and demarcation of the 53 wetlands that exist in the region of Attica (both mainland and islands) was conducted in 2016 by the National Biotope/Wetland Center (EKBY). Among them, 20 are larger than 80 acres and the 29 smallest have been drained, as have the Faliriko Delta, the Loutsa-Kalamion marsh, the coastal marsh of Avlaki and the coastal area near the power plant in Lavrio. Two of the lakes, Vouliagmeni and Koumoundourou, are considered wetland...