In the
flat and semi-mountainous area, important hydrobiospheres are developing
which are of great international significance and acceptance. The most
essential hydrobiosphere is the one in Kerkini lake. It is a miracle of
nature which came about by man's technical intervention on the natural
characteristics of Strymon river. The water extent, which varies from time
to time from 54 Km2 to 72 Km2, works out to be useful in two ways: as a
technical work of great agricultural utility and as a hydrobiosphere for
thousands of water fowls.
This
wonderful biosphere is recouped by the Internetional Convention of Ramsar
and presents numerous admirable elements. Thousands of birds, both rare
and protege, riverside forests, water-lilies in a large area, fish variety
and fantastic panoramic view from the mountains of Beles and Krousia give
it a characteristic tone. Actually the lake hosts 227 kinds of birds,
especially non-migrants. 76 of them are recorded in the National Red
Catalogue, while at least 31 of them are protected by EEC's Directive
concerning wild life. What makes an exceptional presence is the buffalo's
herd in the area, plus the one of the jackelo in the area of Kerkini lake.
In the surrounding area of Kerkini lake there are at least 10 amphibian
species (frogs, salamanders, tritons), 5 snail species, 19 reptile species
(lizards, snakes, turtles) and a great variety of insects which play an
important part in the food chain and contribute towards the biological
resources of the lake.
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The
lake was created where Kerkini lake was by making embankments on the
eastern and western sides and a dam was constructed near the village of
Lithotopos, which started functioning in 1932. The main water provider of
the lake is Strymon river. Additionally, there is Kerkinitis river from
Krousia that flows into the lake. After the construction of the dam, the
form of the initial hydrobioshere changed completely. The human
intervention usually retracts or takes negative action against the natural
processes, Kerkini lake is a rare example, where the gentle human handling
had the exact opposite result.
As time
went by, the lake's capacity was reduced because of the substances that
were washed up by Strymon river. So the rising of the embankments and the
construction of a new dam was necessary, which was started operating in
1982.
Its
natural beauty, its high ecological significance and its contribution to
the agricultural production of the valley of Serres, act as a main
promoter of well-being and development. It is worth visiting as well as
making any possible effort in order to preserve its wealth.
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