Contract signed for the protection and management of Lake Vistonida
The contract for the study titled “Water Management Plan for Lake Vistonida and Delimitation – Determination of Shoreline and Beach Zones” was signed by Georgios Kambas, Coordinator of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia–Thrace, and Georgios Tsakoumis, Joint Representative of the contracting consortium “Georgios M. Tsakoumis & Co. — Samaras & Associates S.A.,” in the presence of Dimitris Galamatis, Secretary of the Decentralized Administration.
According to the Decentralized Administration, the signing of the contract marks the beginning of a study that will lead to a substantial intervention in a wetland of national importance, with significant environmental, developmental, and institutional impact.
A Lake of National Significance
Lake Vistonida, Greece’s fourth-largest lake, covers approximately 45,000 stremmas. It exhibits strong seasonal fluctuations and connects to the sea via canals, giving it a brackish character. Its rich biodiversity — protected under Natura 2000 and the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace National Park — underscores its ecological value, while the region’s socio-economic and ecotourism potential highlights the need for a holistic management strategy.
Four Key Challenges Addressed by the Study
The study aims to provide solutions to the following critical issues:
Flood protection
Environmentally safe management of water runoff
Institutional safeguarding against land encroachments through clear delineation
Sustainable development of lakeside areas based on land-use planning
The study’s success will require ongoing cooperation with numerous agencies, including the Regional Authority, Archaeological Services, Land Registry Services, the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (OFYPEKA), and others, beyond the contracting authority itself.
Importantly, the study not only collects data but also introduces a new framework for spatial planning based on transparency and public participation.
Guiding Principles: Protection, Sustainability, Cooperation
Both the study and its accompanying public outreach activities promote four foundational pillars: ecosystem protection, sustainable development, strengthened institutional cooperation, and a gradual shift in public mindset. The lake is treated not as a simple natural resource, but as a living organism requiring knowledge, engagement, and long-term planning. The start of the study is expected to mark the beginning of a new environmental approach for the region.
Funding and Significance
The contract, valued at €673,816.57 including VAT, is funded by the Regional Development Programme 2021–2025 of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Secretary Dimitris Galamatis stated:
“This signing is not a mere procedural step, but the start of an integrated plan for the protection and rational management of Lake Vistonida and its wider lakeside area. With this study, we establish a clear institutional framework, better oversight of interventions, and more effective environmental management. In simple terms, the project will improve flood protection, clarify boundaries and land uses, enhance transparency, and open prospects for gentle, sustainable activities that will benefit local communities. Our goal is for citizens to enjoy a protected, functional, and responsibly utilized environment. I thank the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace for its crucial contribution and exemplary cooperation in implementing this important project.”
