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Vikos–Aoös National Park

Coordinates: 39°58′10″N 20°43′42″E / 39.9694°N 20.7283°E / 39.9694; 20.7283
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Vikos-Aoos National Park
Vikos Gorge from Oxia spot
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LocationEpirus, Greece
Nearest cityIoannina
Coordinates39°58′10″N 20°43′42″E / 39.9694°N 20.7283°E / 39.9694; 20.7283
Area31,135 acres (12,600 ha)[1]
EstablishedAugust 20, 1973
Visitors100,000 annualy[2] (in early 90s)
Governing bodyNational Forest Department (Greek Ministry of Agriculture)

The Vikos-Aoos National Park (Greek: Εθνικός Δρυμός Βίκου-Αώου Ethnikós Drymós Víkou-Aóou) is a national park in the periphery of Epirus in northwestern Greece. The park, founded in 1973, is one of ten national parks in mainland Greece and is located 30 kilometers north of the city of Ioannina in the northern part of Pindus mountain range. It is named after the two major gorges of the area and encompasses 31,135 acres (12,600 ha) of mountainous terrain, with numerous rivers, lakes, caves, deep canyons and dense coniferous and deciduous forest.

The core of Vikos-Aoos (3400 hectares)[1] comprises the spectacular Vikos Gorge, carved by the Voidomatis river. The gorge's main part is 12 km (7 mi) long and attains a depth of 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). On the other hand Aoos gorge, mount Tymfi, with its highest peak Gamila 2,497 metres (8,192 ft) and a number of traditionally preserved settlements form the park's peripheral zone. The geographical isolation, the relatively small human influence combined with the great variation of biotopes and microclimatic conditions favored the growth of different plant species in the area.[3] Moreover, Vikos-Aoos hosts one of the most complete spectra of animal species[4] with a plethora of large mammals such as the brown bear for which the park is one of the last European strongholds, and a variety of natural habitats and ecosystems that rank it among the most valuable Greek parks for nature conservation.[5] The park is part of the Natura 2000 ecological network and has an elevation range from 550 to 2,497 metres (1,804 to 8,192 feet).[1]

The first evidence of human presence in the area is dated between 17,000 and 10,000 years ago. Throughout most of the historical time the local population was sparse, however from 17th to 19th century the local communities acquired autonomous status and flourished economically due to increased trade. During the last decades, ecotourism is seen as an alternative to the economic decline of the heavily depopulated settlements, in respect to the natural environment and the local architecture.[6]

Geography-Geology

Vikos Gorge

Main article: Vikos Gorge
Panoramic view of Vikos Gorge.

The Vikos Gorge, with a length of 20 km (12 mi), walls that range from 400 to 1,600 metres (1,300 to 5,200 feet) deep, and a width from 400 m (1,312 ft) to some meters at its narrowest part is listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest canyon in the world in proportion to its width,[7][8] though some gorge lobbyists contest that claim.[9] The main part of the gorge stretches from the village of Vikos to Monodendri and attains a depth of about 1,000 m (3,281 ft).[10]

The landscape of the 20 km long gorge, 12 km οf which belong to the park's core zone,[11] presents a diverse relief and is characterized by abrupt altitudinal changes. Steep slopes and precipitous rocky cliffs dominate in the middle and higher zones respectively. Numerous gullies dissect both sides of the gorge and the movement of water detaching various rocky materials creates extended screes. The gorge, with a southeast-northwest direction,[3] has been carved over millions of years by the Voidomatis River, a tributary of the Aoos. The Voidomatis, is mostly seasonal, with year-round flow occurring only in the lower part of the gorge.[12] As the Vikos Gorge is a deep cross section, its slopes expose a series of rocks of different age. The upper layers consist of limestone formations, while the lower ones of grey dolomite.[11] A special feature of the limestone, resulting from its chemical weathering to water, is its carstic nature. Since limestone dissolves as the water percolates through its pores, an extended underground drainage system is developed with caves and channels that enlarge with the time when their roofs collapse producing rocky exposures and perpendicular slopes. For the same reason the water is scarce, and only when an impenetrable stratum is met, the water appears on the surface.[13]

Aoos Gorge

Aoos Gorge, with Tymfi's peak Gamila (right).

In the northern part of the Park, and very close to the town of Konitsa,[3] the Aoos river passes through channels formed by the bulges of the nearby mountains of Trapezitsa 2,022 m (6,634 ft), Tymfi and Raidovouni 1,957 m (6,421 ft), creating another gorge that is 10 km long. The canyon has an east-west direction and features numerous stone single-arched bridges from the 17th to 19th centuries as well as monasteries built in the local architectural style.[14] It is characterized by the great number of secondary gullies and currents, and the dolomite rock formations which are dominant in both sides of Aoos.[11] The age of the compact dolomite rocks that lie on the bottom of the gorge has been determined by means of the sea fossils found inside them and date back to the Early Jurassic period.[15]

Tymfi

Main article: Tymfi
Astraka peak (Astraka towers) over the village Mikro Papingo.
Drakolimni (Dragonlake), overlooked by Ploskos (center) and Astraka (right) peaks.
The natural pools near Papingo.

Between the two gorges lies the small Tymfi mountain range, with its highest peaks: Gamila 2,497 m (8,192 ft), Astraka 2,436 m (7,992 ft), Ploskos 2,400 m (7,874 ft), and Lapatos 2,251 m (7,385 ft).[11] A number of alpine lakes are to be found in the high-altitude zone of Tymfi. The area is surrounded by alpine pasture and is home to a number of rare amphibian species. The biggest lake of the National Park, Drakolimni (Dragonlake in Greek), is located at a height of 2,000 m (6,562 ft) in mount Tymfi. Its maximum depth is 4.95 m while its surface covers 1 ha.[16]

The area near Astraka peak has many vertical caves, especially in the Skamneli and Vradeto regions. The former, well known to the locals, were explored by the Bristol Exploration/Caving Club in the 1980s. The latter, which features some caves with names inspired from mythology, such as the Hole of Odysseus and Chasm of Epos, were recently re-explored by the Greek Caving Club as well as by French cavers. Cave Provatina with a 408 m (1,339 ft) and Epos with 451 m (1,480 ft) depth are considered the Park's deepest vertical caves.[17][18]

Settlements

The Vikos-Aoos area and its surroundings include 13 sparsely populated settlements, with a total population of 1,515 people, in the western part of the traditionally preserved Zagori villages.[19] The region's villages have a nucleus-like form, with the houses situated around the central square and rocky pathways connecting them.[20] Today, the preservation of Zagori's architectural legacy is required by law, which dictates that all buildings in the area must be constructed with local traditional materials and in compliance with local architecture. One of the characteristic features of the National Park are its stone bridges, which were the only connection to the outside world until roads were built the 1950s.[21]

Climate

The climate of Vikos-Aoos area is Mediterranean, transitioning to Continental. The Mediterranean character is associated with the annual distribution of precipitation, being high during the winter months and having a drought period of 2 to 3 months in summer. The continental climatic element is attributed to the high amplitude of annual temperature, in such a degree that the difference between mean maximum and mean minimum annual temperature, exceeds 40oC. The mean annual temperature and annual precipitation are 11.9oC and 1,100.9 mm respectively. Extremely low temperatures occur in the area during the winter months. Compared to Mediterranean bioclimatic divisions, the area belongs to the humid zone with cold winters.[22]

Month Jan Feb Mar
Apr
 May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Oct
 Nov Dec
Daily mean °C (°F)
3.7
(38.7)
4.0
(39.2)
6.1
(43.0)
9.0
(48.2)
 15.4
(59.7)
18.7
(65.7)
 22.0
(70.0) 		21.1
(64.6) 		18.1
(54.1)
12.3
(54.1)
7.8
(46.0)
4.5
(40.1)
Precipitation mm (inches) 110.4
(4.35) 		108.3
(4.26)
89.4
(3.52)
 108.9
(4.29) 		68.8
(2.71)
52.4
(2.06)
36.9
(1.45)
36.7
(1.44)
60.1
(2.37)
 128.8
(5.07) 		156.8
(6.17) 		143.4
(5.65)

Wildlife

The park's varied geology and topography have resulted in a unique variety in terms of flora and fauna. There are three main distinguished habitat zones:[6]

  • Sub-mediterranean woodland: This mainly consists of the deciduous broadleaf forests and woodlands and extends up to an elevation of about 1500 meters.
  • Combined areas of agricultural land with tree hedges and various woodlots, in addition to semi-open shrublands and rocky sites of the lower and middle slopes near human settlements.
  • Uplands with subalpine grasslands and rock cliffs. This habitat is found above 1500 meters altitude and hosts important bird species such as the Mediterranean Golden Eagle.

Flora

Platanus orientalis trees in Voidomatis river.

The forests are composed of diverse species of deciduous and coniferous trees and a great variety of wildflowers. Recent studies on the flora of Vikos-Aoos National Park counted 873 vascular plants, including more than 250 medicinal, aromatic and poisonous taxa. The park's forests are abundant in species associated with the cool local climate, such as Ulmus glabra, Campanula trachelium, Aesculus hippocastanum and Tilia platyphyllos.[23] Studies on the non-vascular flora recorded the presence of about 150 moss species in the area of Vikos, including one newly described taxon.[4] A dense forest of Scots pines can be found in the area of Gyftokampos. In the valley of the Vikos gorge, Platanus orientalis form an azonal gallery forest along the banks of Voidomatis.[24]

Many herbs of Vikos Gorge and other areas within the park were regarded to have medicinal properties and were once harvested by local healers, colloquially referred to as Vikos doctors (Greek: Βικογιατροί).[25][26] These plants included the lemon balm Melissa officinalis, Tlia parvifolia, the peppermint Mentha piperita, St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum, the nightshade Atropa belladonna , absinth Artemisia absinthium, the very popular Sideritis scardica, known colloquially in Greece as the “mountain tea”, and the elder bush Sambucus nigra. A chemical screening of these native plant species has shown that a high number of them are characterised by biologically active ingredients.[25] An important element of the region's flora, apart from the rich variety of plant species, is the high degree of endemism in Balkan (23%) and Greek species (5,8%).[27] A collection of 2,500 dried species of local plants and herds is exhibited in the local natural museum in Koukouli.[28]

Fauna

Triturus Alpestris. His presence is assosiated with local folktales about Dragons.

Vikos-Aoos National Park hosts one of the most complete spectra of animal species and is considered among the five or six areas in Greece with the richest fauna characteristic of mountain and forest ecosystems.[4] Numerous species of large mammals such as wolves, foxes, wild horses and roe deer use the area the whole year around. Moreover, otters and wild cats, live especially around the area of Tymfi, with the last one being quite rare.[29][1] Pindus region in which Vikos-Aoos is part, is home to the endangered brown bear and lynx, which is also the southernmost point of their European distripution.[30] Moreover, one of the park's special attractions is the existence of the Balkan Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica), which is considered a rare species and lives at higher altitudes far from human activities.[31][29]

Numerous fishes such as brown trout, roach and barbel species are to be found in the park's rivers.[1] Characteristically, eight of the ten known species of woodpeckers and several species of birds of prey can be found. A total of 121 bird species has been observed in the area of the National Park, 26 of them are considered of conservation priority. The bird communities are considered among the most complete in Greece; important species include Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Peregrine Falcon and Red-rumped Swallow.[4] Concerning the invertebrate species, the forests, due to their structural complexity and the co-existence of various small biotopes, i.e. streams, ponds, forest openings, rocky sites, dead trees, old pollards, coppices, support a very diverse fauna, especially at the various ecotones, including often very specialized species.[29]

The park contains a variety of suitable habitats that supports dense populations of amphibians and reptiles. Vipera ursinii lives in the subalpine meadows and is considered a threatened taxon.[32] The amphibian Alpine Newts (Triturus Alpestris) living in the alpine lakes of the Tymfi region, mostly in Drakolimni, are associated with local folktales of dragons and battles.[33] Yellow-bellied Toads (Bombina variegata) are also common in that same area.[16]

Human history

Stone bridge at Konitsa over river Aoos.

The first evidence of human presence in the area is dated between 17,000 and 10,000 years ago,[34] with important Epipaleolithic artifacts have been unearthed from a rock shelter on the banks of the Voidomatis.[35] Remains of cyclopean walls in Skamneli testify also to the antiquity of human occupation.[36] During the 9th-4th centuries B.C., a small Molossian settlement existed between Monodendri and Vitsa, including stone houses and two cemeteries which have yielded important findings.[37] However, throughout most of the historical time the local population was sparse while the land provided mainly for pastoralism and firewood for the local needs.[38]

In the era of Ottoman occupation and especially from 17th to 19th century, the local Greek Orthodox communities were granted special privileges by the authorities. At that time the area of Zagori acquired an autonomous status inside the Ottoman Empire, where the locals were exempt from the fiscal extortion that crippled the more prosperous lowland communities.[38][39] During this period large groups of villagers emigrated to metropolitan centers. On many occasions of these locals became members of successful professional classes that finally returned to their homeplaces, bestowing the region with wealth and building luxurious mansions.[40] The area is nowadays sparsely populated as the result of urbanization after World War I and especially after World War II. Many of the dwellings now remain shut, while abandonment of the traditional rural economy and the land use system has affected the cultural landscape.[41]

Epirus, of which Vikos-Aoos is part, is considered one of the most underdeveloped regions in Greece. Tourism constitutes the principal source of revenue for the local business, from the 1970s, although it has a highly seasonal character. Intense development in terms of accommodation and tourism infrastructure followed already in the 1980s mainly through state initiative.[42]

Park management

The village of Monodendri, in dense vegetation.

Vikos-Aoos was designated as a National Park in 1973, in an effort by the Greek Government to conserve the richness in fauna and flora and the geological formations of the area.[1]

The administration and management of Vikos-Aoos National Park belongs to two district forest offices, supervised by a forest directorate at the prefecture level. Moreover, the office of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in the village of Papingo plays also an essential role in management issues.[42] Apart from government efforts, incentives have been given to local management organizations as well as to the local population to participate in the protection of the ecosystems. In the National Park's core, according to the law, forestry activities, grazing, hunting, and fishing are prohibited. In the peripheral zone there are no such restrictions but the Forest Service can take any necessary measure for the realization of the aims of the park.[19] Apart from the above-mentioned activities, dangers to the park include land erosion, landslides, wildfires which threaten the local flora and fauna. Another serious environmental problems is the impact of tourism development in recent decades. Moreover, extreme geophysical conditions make the construction and maintenance of the necessary infrastructure network, mainly access routes and telecommunications, difficult.[43]

The vast area of the National Park and the lack of present route infrastructure make remote sensing the only means for monitoring the human activities in the area and their impact on the ecosystem. An evolution analysis started by taking an as detailed as possible picture of the territory covering at least the following items: orography and slopes, road networks, land cover and use, human settlements, tourist sites. The use of remote sensing and Geographic Information System techniques, is of essential value for the park's management and constitutes the base for further evaluations and impact analysis.[44]

The objective of the present state and regional policy is to carefully combine tourism development in the area with the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage. Ecotourism might be an ideal solution, since it has the potential to bring about the desired balance between socio-economic development and environmental protection.[42] Specific objectives of ecotourism development include the reviving of traditional activities such as small-scale farming and stock-raising,[45] as well as the establishment of a 'network of communities of Chamois biotopes'.[46]

Recreation

Rafters on the bank of the Voidomatis

Vikos-Aoos is a touristically attractive area with a high ecotourism and agrotourism potential.[47] The local tourism industry has been favored by national and European funds and provides modest accommodation and tourism services with respect to the local tradition and culture.[48] Characteristically, the Federation of Nature and National Parks of Europe (FNNPE) stated that "the need for a sustainable form of tourism has never been greater in the area".[47]

The rivers in Vikos-Aoos area are a destination for rafting and canoe-kayaking. Additional forms of adventure sports include climbing, hiking and mountain biking, along local paths in order to observe the area's natural features and architecture.[49][50]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Trakolis: p. 3
  2. ^ Papageorgiou: p. 5
  3. ^ a b c Natura: p. 8
  4. ^ a b c d Amanatidou: p. 28
  5. ^ Papageorgiou: p. 3
  6. ^ a b Amanatidou: pp. 30-31
  7. ^ Guinness World Records 2005: Special 50th Anniversary Edition. Guinness World Records. 2004. p. 52. ISBN 9781892051226.
  8. ^ Hatzopoulou Magda. "About Greece-Landscape" (PDF). General Secretariat of Information, Greece. p. 7.
  9. ^ Hellander Paul (2008). Greece. Lonely Planet. p. 335. ISBN 9781741046564.
  10. ^ Amanatidou: p. 17
  11. ^ a b c d Hanlidou, Kokkini: p. 2
  12. ^ Amanatidou: p. 21
  13. ^ Amanatidou: pp. 21-22
  14. ^ Prefectural Committee of Tourist Promotion: p. 12, 18, 20
  15. ^ Paschos, Nikolaou, Papanikos: p. 7
  16. ^ a b Denoël Mathieu, Schabetsberger Robert. "Resource partitioning in two heterochronic populations of Greek Alpine newts, Triturus alpestris veluchiensis" (PDF). University of Liège, Belgium. University of Salzburg, Austria. p. 2. Retrieved 2009-11-02.
  17. ^ "Caves of the world". Sociedad Venezolana de Espeleologia.
  18. ^ Adamopoulos Kostas. "The deepest and the longest caves in Greece" (PDF). Caving Club of Greece (SELAS). p. 1.
  19. ^ a b Trakolis: pp. 2-3
  20. ^ Amanatidou: p. 36
  21. ^ Drakopoulou: p. 27
  22. ^ Amanatidou: pp. 23-24
  23. ^ Amanatidou: p. 84
  24. ^ Amanatidou: p. 80
  25. ^ a b Hanlidou, Kokkini: p. 1
  26. ^ "Sustainable Management and Development of Mountainous and Island Areas" (PDF). Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources. Democritus University of Thrace. p. 38. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  27. ^ Amanatidou: p. 27
  28. ^ Facaros Dana, Theodorou Linda (2003). Greece. New Holland Publishers. p. 434. ISBN 9781860118982.
  29. ^ a b c Amanatidou: p. 29
  30. ^ Natura 2000: p. 9
  31. ^ Drakopoulou: p. 26
  32. ^ Natura: p. 9
  33. ^ Jackson Jack (2003). The world's great adventure treks. New Holland Publishers. p. 114. ISBN 9781843302612.
  34. ^ Amanatidou: p. 32
  35. ^ Gowlett, J. A. J. (1987). "The Archaeology of Radiocarbon Accelerator Dating" (PDF). Journal of World Prehistory. 1 (2): 22. doi:10.1007/s002670010251. Retrieved 2009-11-02. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |laydate=, |quotes=, |laysource=, |laysummary=, and |coauthors= (help)
  36. ^ Costas Zissis. Zagori, Images of a Greek Heritage. p. 13. ISBN 9789606316845.
  37. ^ Prefectural Committee of Tourist Promotion: p. 14
  38. ^ a b Amanatidou: p. 34
  39. ^ M. V. Sakelarriou (1997). Epirus, 4000 years of Greek history and civilization. Ekdotikē Athēnōn. p. 342. ISBN 9789602133712.
  40. ^ De Jongh Brian , Gandon John , Graham-Bell Geoffrey (2000). Companion guide to Greece. Companion Guides. p. 482. ISBN 9781900639354.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ Amanatidou: p. 17
  42. ^ a b c Drakopoulou: p. 28
  43. ^ "Workshop on Advanced Techniques for the Assessment of Natural Hazards in Mountain Areas" (PDF). Congress Centre IGLS, Innsbruck, Austria. p. 31. Retrieved 2009-11-02.
  44. ^ International journal of risk assessment and management. Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. 2005. pp. 50–64.
  45. ^ Drakopoulou: p. 29
  46. ^ Drakopoulou: p. 31
  47. ^ a b Trakolis: p. 11
  48. ^ Amanatidou: p. 41
  49. ^ Prefectural Committee of Tourist Promotion: p. 20
  50. ^ Drakopoulou: p. 28

Sources

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