The task assignments within the operational framework of the (MB) are divided into 5 main axes of actions:
Axis 1: Recording and Monitoring biodiversity of protected areas of Kefalonia and Ithaca
Briefly, the actions of recording and monitoring the development of vital parameters by (MB) staff, in collaboration with external partners’ assignments are the following:
- Recording, monitoring and sustainable management of Flora in the protected areas of Kefalonia and Ithaca
- Recording, monitoring and sustainable management of Fauna in the protected areas of Kefalonia and Ithaca
- Recording, monitoring and sustainable management of Avifauna in the protected areas of Kefalonia and Ithaca
- Recording, monitoring and sustainable management of ecotypes diversity in the protected areas of Kefalonia and Ithaca
- Infrastructure creation for the recording of data captured in G.I.S.
- Development of innovative actions – operating a Gene Bank & a Lab for flora species regeneration
- Investigation on the history and evolution of Aenos National Park vegetation
- Recording, monitoring and sustainable management of macrofungi (mushrooms) in Aenos National Park
- Recording, monitoring and sustainable management of Lepidoptera (butterflies) in the protected areas of Kefalonia and Ithaca
- Recording, monitoring and sustainable management of insect populations in the protected areas of Kefalonia and Ithaca
- Monitoring the effectiveness of the applied management strategy (ongoing process)
Axis 2: Surveillance and Management of Protected Areas
The Management Body is called upon to play an important and effective part in the Surveillance of Protected Areas, through the establishment and implementation of a program aimed at the daily presence of the Management Body surveillance team in the protected sites, with priority given to Aenos National Park. This program diversifies between winter and summer months. Aenos surveillance operation is achieved by the active cooperation and coordination with other Authorities like Forest and Fire Services. The reassurance of operating regulations compliance, significantly contributes to protected areas effective management, enhanced by the implementation of specific studies, integrated into (MB) supervision, as indicated below:
- establishment of the exact limits of protected areas Core Zone
- protected areas management plan
- specific study on the grassland of Aenos peripheral zone
- impact of wind farms on bird fauna in Special Protection Areas (SPA)
- creation of databases and spreading maps of protected areas crucial habitats of rare and endangered species
Axis 3: (MB) communication strategy – awareness – updates development actions
To successfully implement programmed actions for the protection, promotion and management of protected areas, (MB) role should be explained to and accepted by local community. Therefore, the establishment and implementation of a comprehensive communication strategy would be necessary in order to highlight the central role of (MB) in the management and safeguarding of the protected areas, to strengthen citizens’ engagement to the participatory process.
In order to achieve this important goal, Axis 3 Actions include information and awareness raising campaigns on a yearly basis, to involve individually or in groups, residents and visitors of Kefalonia and Ithaca, outdoors or at the (MBPA) headquarters, at the Environmental Information Center. The topics under consideration, concern the particularity of the biotic and abiotic characteristics and value, pressures and threats acting on protected areas and Aenos National Park ecosystems with the aim to awake the interest of the citizens about the indisputable benefits and necessity for conservation and respect of the protected areas. Some actions of Axis 3 include the environmental education in primary and secondary schools, the employment of modern e-means of communication (websites), the production and distribution of information material in printed and digital form, organization of conferences or seminars targeting specific citizens’ groups and enhancement of the spirit of volunteerism.
Through well-designed environmental information actions, (MB) will manage to approach a wide range of citizens and Institutions, influence, or modify opinion and behavior of social groups, by cultivating the sense of responsibility for protected areas and the participation in decision making.
Axis 4: Administrative support for the implementation of actions within Operational Program Framework:
Proper monitoring during research projects implementation is a crucial factor to achieve (MB) goals, both physical and financial targets of research projects fulfillment. The subject of this section deals with timekeeping schedules, writing, delivery and assignment, as well as prediction and handling the factors of eventual delays.
Axis 5: Development of innovative actions:
- Operating a Gene Bank & a Lab of flora species regeneration
- Investigation on the history and evolution of Aenos National Park vegetation
- Recording and monitoring macrofungi (mushrooms) populations in Aenos National Park
Axis 6: Be Part of National and International Organization Networks:
The main goal of the Management Body is the participation in both Greek and international fora to sustain the protection of biodiversity in Kefalonia and Ithaca in combination with the sustainable development of their protected areas. To achieve this target, (MB) will pay attention to the people that live at and close by the protected areas of Kefalonia and Ithaca, mostly employed on the primary sector and tourism. The Management Body of Aenos National Park seeks collaboration with Greek agencies and other European Parks. Priority areas for collaboration include: know-how exchange, ways for the development of ecotourism, environmental protection, reduction of climate change effects and the sustainable development of the protected areas.
