N ature; Kalogria Lagoon

A protected nature reserve of 7.600 hectares at the border of the provinces of Ileia and Achaia. Part of the area is game sanctuary. Te nature reserve has the status of Ramsar wetland. In 1971 on 2nd February the Ramsar convention came into being in the village of Ramsar. This convention is meant to call to a halt to the world-wide loss of wetlands. Every year on 2nd February it is World Wetlands Day (WWD). 18 countries have signed this convention and there are about 1.200 wetlands on the list of wetlands of international interest.

The area contains a brackish lagoon, salt plains, marshes with extensive reed lands, dunes and a 15-kilometres- long coastal forest which produces the famous pine tree kernel for the oriental kitchen. For the rest the wood has an image that looks like a park. This is caused by the low brushwood where also a peculiar violet orchid is found; the Limodorum abortivum. The saps of this plant secrete an aborting substance that was not unutilized in the past.

Brooding kinds of birds are among others: Small bittern and Kingfisher. In winter various kinds of Harriers appear (falcon like birds of prey). This area is especially important because of the passing kinds of herons, the Ibis, various wading-birds and Common terns (bird from the Sea-swallow group).

Human activities in the area: agriculture, stock-breeding, fishing, hunting and recreation. The Greek air force causes the usual decibels because of the near-by military airport.

Kalogria / Araxos is the first developing climbing area in the north-west Peloponnesos. There are about 80 routes in the rocks of 20 - to 700 metres high (Varasova). Besides, you find here the most difficult sports climbing route of Greece: The route of Sirene (category F 7a). The best periods for climbing are from the end of October until December and March.

A splendid book has been made about this nature reserve. It is called Strophylia. Both the pictures come from this book, which has over 100 pages. An order for this book can be placed with info@verdealmare.gr.