Implementation of sub-project 18, entitled "Provision of Advisory Services for the Preparation of an Organisation and Management Plan for the Vourkari Wetland in Megara, in accordance with the provisions of Presidential Decree 72/2017", under the project "Support Studies for the Region of Attica on the Specialisation of Development Priorities and Specific Actions during the 2021–2027 Programming Period.".

The Development Organisation, New Metropolitan Attica S.A., is undertaking the preparation of an Organisation and Management Plan for the Vourkari Wetland in Megara, in accordance with the provisions of Presidential Decree 72/2017. The study focuses on documenting the area's current environmental conditions, spatial dimensions and regulatory status, assessing existing land uses and activities, as well as developing proposals for the protection, management and sustainable enhancement of the wetland.

The Vourkari Wetland is located along the coastline of the Municipality of Megara in Western Attica, to the west of the Elefsina Gulf. It is a coastal wetland of significant ecological value. Preserving biodiversity, protecting the landscape and restoring the area's ecological functions require a clear framework for spatial organisation, designation of land for various uses and overall management, all of which are in line with the provisions of Presidential Decree 72/2017. At the same time, the structured promotion of the wetland can support environmental awareness, education and low-impact visitor activities that are compatible with the site's ecological character and protected status.

More specifically:

• 222 bird species have been recorded, many of which are rare and/or under threat of extinction.
• The site has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA/GR204).
• It has been classified as a Priority Wetland under Law 4277/2014.

The study is structured around the following three work streams:

• Assessment of the current situation and analysis of the regulatory framework
• Spatial planning of protection zones and definition of land usage
• Management plan and monitoring mechanisms implemented by the competent government department

The study has multiple objectives, the most prominent of which are defining protection zones and the corresponding permitted land uses and activities; developing proposals for protection, restoration and environmentally sensitive enhancement projects and establishing a practical framework for management, monitoring and cooperation among the relevant stakeholders. It will also examine the requirements for implementing the plan and explore potential funding opportunities for the proposed interventions.

Sub-project 18, entitled "Provision of Advisory Services for the Preparation of an Organisation and Management Plan for the Vourkari Wetland in Megara, in accordance with the provisions of Presidential Decree 72/2017", is being implemented under the project "Support Studies for the Region of Attica on the Specialisation of Development Priorities and Specific Actions during the 2021–2027 Programming Period" (OPS Code: 6006487). The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the priority of strengthening the competitiveness and outward orientation of the regional economy through the "Attica 2021–2027" Programme.