National Action Plans – Protective shield for 8 wildlife species

The implementation of the National Action Plans for the protection of eight species of wild fauna and flora begins after the signing of eight ministerial decisions by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, George Amyras.
These are three species of vultures, the Caretta Caretta turtle, the Balkan Goat, the Karpathos frog, the Lepidoptera Parnassius Apollo, native species of trout, the species of flora Silene holzmannii and Sand Dunes.

The National Action Plans will last for six years and provide measures to ensure the conservation of the population, their survival where it is threatened, as well as its geographical spread with simultaneous protection from external factors. The implementation, monitoring and supervision will be done by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in collaboration with the Organization of Natural Environment and Climate Change (OFYPEKA).

As Mr. Amyras stated, these are species of animals and plants that are integral links in the chain of biodiversity and natural defense against the climate crisis. “We work in collaboration with OFYPEKA. “We are implementing comprehensive action plans to ensure that these species are not only not endangered but will increase in population and geography in the future.”

Species protection studies were carried out through the Life-IP 4Natura program with a financial contribution from the European Union and the Green Fund.

For the frog of Karpathos, the implementation of the project has already started with resources from the Green Fund, while for the rest, funding through the NSRF has been secured and the start of the actions is expected immediately.

The objectives of the National Action Plans by type:

Three species of vultures
. Increase in the extent of spread to 1990-2000 levels.
. Population growth 10-20%.

Caretta Caretta Turtle
. Maintaining populations at current levels.
. Ensuring access to the sea for a larger percentage of hatchlings.

Balkan Goat (Rupicapra rupicapra)
. Ensuring the survival of the species.
. Population growth and geographical spread.

Endemic frog of Karpathos (Pelophylax cerigensis)
● Reversal of the declining course of the population in the first phase.
● Stabilization in sustainable population size in the medium term.

Indigenous trout species (Salmo spp.)
. Stopping the declining population trend.
● Geographical distribution of species.

Lepidoptera (Parnassius Apollo)
. Improving the conservation status of the species.
. Increase in population size.

Species of flora (* Silene holzmannii)
● Achieving a satisfactory conservation status.
. Ensuring long-term viability.

Sand dunes
. Improving the current state of conservation.
. Increase in geographical spread.