Background The Kotychi-Strofylia site, part of which is classified as a wetland of international importance (RAMSAR), is located on the west coast of the Peloponnese. It is a special complex of habitats with sand banks and dunes, coastal pine forests, lagoons, marshes, water meadows, reed beds and agricultural land. It encompasses the Kotychi lagoon, the largest remaining lagoon in the Peloponnese, the Prokopos lagoon and the very important Strofilia coastal forest with its native stone pine (Pinus pinea). This forest is the most extensive of the three of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe. Apart from its outstanding habitats, the region is particularly important for reptiles and birds: species threatened with global extinction such as the bittern (Botaurus stellaris) and the ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), can be found here. In fact, 63 species listed in Annex I to the EU Birds Directive have been encountered in the area. The ecological integrity of the area has been threatened by degradation of the lagoons (increased sedimentation, pollution of the water by agricultural activities, overuse of water resources), erosion of sand dunes, limited natural regeneration of the stone pine forest, degradation of breeding and feeding grounds for birds, lack of systematic ecological data regarding water quality, habitats and species, and lack of understanding and appreciation of the conservation value of the site by the inhabitants and visitors. Objectives The main objective of this multi-faceted project was to improve the conservation status of the most important ecological features of the Kotychi-Strofylia site, i.e. lagoons, dunes, pine forests and 14 species of protected birds and four species of reptiles which are listed in the Community directives. Specific objectives were to restore the two lagoons, create a system for monitoring water, rehabilitate the sand dunes, enhance the natural regeneration of pine forests and improve bird nesting and feeding areas. To attain these objectives, technical work was to be carried out to reduce sedimentation, manage the aquatic vegetation, install water monitoring equipment, plant stone pines (Pinus pinea), rehabilitation of the sand dunes to control access to the site, improve the bird habitats, wardening of the site as well as a public awareness-raising campaign. Results To address the threats to the complex ecosystem of lagoons and coastal stone pine forests in the Kotychi-Strofylia wetlands, the project has been successful in achieving the following: Wetland management Four automatic monitoring stations were opened in Kotychi and in Prokopos lagoon in order to monitor water parameters. The aquatic plant communities were studied since they are critical indicators of the conservation status of the lagoons. A canal was opened in south Kotychi. The dredgings were laid on Kotychi islet thus raising it to a height of 40 cm, thereby rendering the site dry for the nesting period of birds. Two large canals were opened inside Kotychi lagoon and Lamia marsh to improve water circulation and create new valuable bird habitats. Umbrella (stone) pine forest enhancement The forest was intensively studied through 20 experimental plots to produce management guidelines. A significant part of the forest was fenced and thus relieved from grazing pressure and vehicle trespassing. 4,000 young trees of Umbrella Pines were planted and fenced. With the assistance of the forest service, many illegal roads were permanently blocked. Coastal Dune Restoration Restoration fences were placed alongside the most affected parts of the dunes and were successful in achieving dune "rebuilding" and sand accumulation. Parking lots, swimmer access points were delimited, information signs were placed and sensitive dune habitats were fenced. Bird and Reptile Conservation A Monitoring Plan for birds and reptiles/amphibians was compiled and applied for four years. New nesting and feeding habitats were created. An electric fence was constructed and placed in Metochi mudflats to protect the nesting colony of Collared Pratincoles from cow trampling. Floating rafts were installed in Kotychi and Procopos lagoons to support the nesting of terns. Artificial nesting boxes were placed in old houses of Lehena town to offer nesting sites for the Lesser Kestrel. Public awareness, environmental education, and consensus building The project organised many events and consulted widely with the local and national authorities, stakeholders and interest groups. Information material, including the website, leaflets, posters, T-shirts and a DVD documentary, was produced. Four educational nature trails were established and signposted, and an educational package on the priority species and habitats of the site was produced and distributed to schools at a national level. The collaboration and mutual support of the Management Body of the Kotychi-Strofylia wetlands was invaluable throughout the project. This body was expected to carry on the work after the project in order to safeguard this outstanding piece of Greek nature. Funding was also expected to come from the structural funds and the following actions were planned to continue: wardening of the site, operation of the information centre, technical support and scientific monitoring, as well as management actions.