The wetland called "Messolonghi Lagoon" is located in the western part of Sterea Hellas, in the prefecture of Aetoloakarnania; it consists of a complex of lagoons, the largest of which is the central Messolonghi Lagoon, with a surface of 140 km², while the widest wetland area extends up to Evinos river to the east and Valti location to the west, up to the north estuaries of Acheloos river. The wetlands' total expansion is 258 km² and it was created, over the centuries, from brought material of Acheloos and Evinos rivers that have formed an extensive system of shallow waters (0.45 - 1.65 m deep).

Part of the lagoon has been designated as an area of Special Protection according to the 79/409/EEC Directive, for the protection of bird fauna. It has also been demarcated as a wetland of international importance, according to the Ramsar Convention and has been included into Natura 2000 Network as well.

The lagoon's bird fauna consists of a total of 285 species, 95 of which live in the wetland throughout the year. There have also been observed mammal species, amphibians, reptiles and fish-fauna species. The wetland's flora embraces at least 385 species.

The most serious anthropogenous problems which bring about grave perturbations and decline in the natural habitat of the lagoon are: the destruction of the wetland due to draining, land reclamation, intensive cultivation, road formation and excessive pasturing, the change of hydrologic equilibrium due to dams and intensive irrigation, the degradation of water quality due to liquid and solid waste, pesticide runoffs and insecticides, biodiversity changes (intensive fishing, poaching and capture of fowls), disturbance during reproductive season and uncontrolled waste landfills.

The project will provide a set of possible solutions for the problems affecting the protected area.  The key stakeholders will be involved from the beginning in order to gain a common vision on the priorities of the area and come up with shared proposals.

Partner 4 - Mediterranean SOS Network
is responsible for Work Package 3: Participatory Process

Partner 5 - Aitoliki Development Enterprise S.A.
is responsible for Work Package 5: Dissemination Activities