Effects and consequences of agriculture, tourism and hunting on the birdlife at Gialova lagoon : An area of international importance for migratory birds

Many populations of migrating waterbirds in Africa and Western Eurasia are in a long-term decline, largely because of the loss of wetlands along their migration routes. Between 1950 and 1985, 63 % of the wetlands in Greece were lost due to human activities. However, humans are also a source of more direct disturbance to birds that may have a negative influence on their fitness. The purpose of this study has been to assess how human disturbance in the form of agriculture, tourism and hunting might affect the birdlife in a coastal lagoon in southwestern Greece, and, if needed, propose measures on how to improve the status of the birdlife. To evaluate this, interviews and studies of monitoring reports and literature have been conducted. The studied area, Gialova lagoon, is the southernmost wetland in the Balkan Peninsula, which makes it especially important for migratory birds. The study shows that the major threats to the lagoon have already been dealt with. However, there are still improvements that can be made. Currently, agriculture seems to have the most negative effect on the concerned area, but since there appears to be an ambition to increase tourism in the area this may change in the future. Disturbance from hunting only plays a minor role in the area around the lagoon. The establishment of an official management body as well as an official management plan would probably be an effective way to continue the conservation work and reduce the disturbance of human activities in Gialova lagoon