News Release: Celebration of EuroBirdwatch16 at "Fragma Potamon", Municipality of Amari

EuroBirdwatch16 was celebrated by the project ‘’LIFE Natura2000Value Crete’’ (University of Crete - Natural History Museum of Crete, NHMC), in collaboration with ANIMA (Hellenic wildlife care association), the tour operator "Greentour" and the Cultural Associations of Patsos, Voleones and Pantanassa, with the support of the Municipality of Amari. The event took place on Sunday, the 2nd of October at the location "Fragma Potamon", Municipality of Amari. 

The purpose of this event was to promote the importance of the protection of the nesting and breeding areas of migratory birds, the areas where they feed and rest and their migratory routes. 

The event hosted interactive games for the creative preoccupation of children. At the same time, the coordinator of the games, Ms Olga Mpredaki (NHMC) tried to raise awareness of the children concerning the value of migratory birds. Moreover, 4 wild birds were released in their natural habitat. They had been found injured, poisoned or weak and had been sent to ANIMA for their medical treatment and recovery. More specifically, 2 common buzzards (Buteo buteo), 1 Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and 1 European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) where released, under the coordination of Ms Tania Ploumi (NHMC). The games and the release took place at the yard of the church of Saint Kiriaki, close to the dam. Afterwards, people could go birdwatching at the dam, where Mr Mihalis Dretakis and his scientific team (NHMC) could inform them of the avifauna of the area. At noon, the attendees were given the chance to walk through Saint Antonios gorge. Mr Haris Papagiannakis from the tour operator "Greentour" coordinated the eco-touring and informed the participants of the biological, geological and cultural particularities of the area. During the event, representatives of the NHMC informed children and adults of the migratory birds and their habitats, as well as the value of the area which is protected by the NATURA 2000 Network.

In total, about 100 -120 people attended the event, members of the Cultural Associations, residents of the area and visitors - tourists. Printed communication material of the project and other projects already implemented by NHMC was distributed. The Cultural Associations of Patsos, Voleones and Pantanassa took care of the local delicacies offered to the particpants of the event. 

Through the event, we tried to raise public awareness regarding the conservation of avifauna, their habitats and the global biodiversity, while the value of active participation of the public in environmental actions was designated.