The Divari Lagoon (also known as the Pylos or Gialova Lagoon) is place of exceptional beauty with big historical and cultural heritage, a place with priceless natural value. The lagoon of Gialova belongs to the European network NATURE 2000 and is one of the most important bands for the birds of Greece. It is the more southern migratory turning point of the Balkans for birds. From the 255 types of birds that until now have been observed, the 79 are protected according to directive 79/409/EOK. Up to now 16 ecotypes, 34 species of reptiles, 28 species of mammals and 16 species of fishes have been recorded.
Breeding species include the Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus (20+ pairs), the Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus , the Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus (1 pair), the Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (maximum 5 pairs), the Little Tern Sterna albifrons , the Kingfisher Alcedo atthis and, possibly, the Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola . During migration, several species occur like the Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber , the Black Kite Milvus migrans , the Osprey Pandion haliaetus and the Crane Grus grus.
More info on: Hellenic Ornithological Society
The Caretta-Caretta sea turtle
Peloponnesus hosts 900 sea turtle nests per year (24.3% at national level) in the Bays of Kyparissia, Lakonikos and in Koroni. In fact, the Kyparissiakos Gulf constitutes the second most important beach of birth of Karetta in the Mediterranean. The nesting season commences at the end of May and lasts until August.
In Agiannaki, in the building of the old railway station, the Environmental Scientific Centre for Sea Turtle Protection was established in June 2001. It's objective is to stress the ecological importance of band, to make acquaintance in the wide public the particular flora and her fauna, but also her importance for the survival of threatened Karetta. The exhibition area offers the visitor the opportunity to learn about the coastal area, sea turtles and local economic and cultural activities. The exhibition includes information on our planet, the sea turtles, the coast and coastal forest, the lakes and rivers in the area.
Organised groups are guided in the exhibition area where they receive information on the natural heritage of the areas and learn about the wetlands, the sand dune zone, the marine ecosystems and all the protected natural habitats of Greece. Slide shows concerning sea turtles and the local ecosystems are operated, whereas other activities including games and drawing are organized for small children. Visits at the environmental centres last approximately 45 minutes and are usually followed by a guided tour in the nature trails.
"Forest Trail" in Kyparissia Bay
The "Forest Trail" was created in 2003 and runs through a coastal pine forest of Elaia ending at the beach next to the mouth of the river Neda, a protected area that is part of the proposed "Natura 2000" network. Thousands of visitors per year are informed about the rich flora and fauna species of the area and the functions of the ecosystem by the existing signage (in Greek & English) and by participating in guided tours. The "Forest Trail" is open to individual visitors throughout the year and guided tours are available after arrangement with
ARCHELON Scientific Environmental Centre of Agiannakis.
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