Although wetlands might not be the first natural wonders that spring to mind when you think of Crete and its spectacular beauty, they're one of the first things in nature to show signs of distress when the environment is under strain.
That's why Frank Wray, a University of Cincinnati biologist, grew alarmed when he returned for his second summer field project in Hersonissos, Crete, as a member of the UC Sustainable Development Group studying the problem of mass tourism in the region.
"Last year the mayor took us on a tour of the coastal area that included the wetland. The difference last year as opposed to this year is amazing," the UC Raymond Walters College faculty member says.
Although it's not clear why the wetland has changed so much in one year, Wray believes its current condition is critical and demands immediate intervention.
In addition to the marsh grasses and other flora typical of wetlands, this biotope or ecologically sensistive area, located on the northwest corner of the Municipality of Hersonissos, now contains piles of garbage and other solid waste such as plastic bags and bottles, tennis shoes, bottles and empty brake fluid containers.
"Oh my gosh, Liz, did you see this?" asks Wray on what might be his last visit this summer to the wetland. He is accompanied by Elizabeth Wolfe, UC master's student in geography (environmental studies) who has served as his assistant during the university's six-week research trip to Crete. Wray picks up a syringe from a pile of refuse. "It even has the needle on it."
A nearby illegal moto-cross training field creates noise that has scared away the migratory birds that once stopped here on their way to and from Africa and Europe each year, according to local residents. British birdwatchers who once frequented the area have stopped coming.
"The amount of algae floating on top shouldn't be here," says Wray, pointing to the water's surface. "It will soak up all the available oxygen in the water and kill off other life forms. There is probably fertilizer getting into the water."
A nearby tavern owner, Wolfe says, shares Wray's concern for the wetland and wishes that it could be protected so that tourists could enjoy it. "I think she sees that this could be a great tourist area if it is managed correctly," Wolfe says. Other business owners aren't as ecologically concerned, according to Wray. "A lot of hotels would like to see it filled in and another resort put on it."
The wetland is fed by the Aposelemos River and usually reaches to the Sea of Crete on the island's northern edge each winter. Sand volleyball, umbrellas and beach chairs, as well as the tents and campers of some squatters, sit closeby. Wray points to some weeds. They show evidence that the wetland has been encroached on by non-wetlands (or terrestrial) types of flora.
"Wetlands have very specific kinds of plants. If this type of invasion continues, it will not be a wetland anymore," says Wray.
Wolfe and Wray's concern for the wetland's critical state have prompted them to write a proposal that will be presented to local authorities. They suggest taking immediate action to save it. The site should be included in the Heritage Corridor of natural and historic spaces that the UC team is also recommending, the environmental researchers urge.
In addition to studying the biotope, Wolfe has worked this summer to identify several sites to include in the proposed corridor. Among them are four gorges -- Aposelemis, Ambelou, Embassa and Rosas -- and the Gully of Pharagouli. There are also three forests --Agia Fotini, a stand of live oaks and other deciduous trees west of the village of Avdou; Koumdrodassos, a stand of strawberry trees that is perhaps the largest stand of this type of trees in all of Crete; and the forest of Sfendyli, an area that will be obliterated if a proposed dam is built.
"It's definitely been educational," says Wolfe of the summer's labors. In August, she will head to cooler climates in Alaska with geography faculty members Kenneth Hinkel and Wendy Eisner to study carbon levels in thaw lakes. "I've enjoyed being able to put some of the theories we learn about into practice."
In addition to the wetland, Wray has concentrated his energy this summer on the water management challenges of Hersonissos. Historically, Crete has been an island with plenty of fresh water sources, but the boom in tourism that began 30 years ago has changed that, as well as the increasing use of agricultural irrigation. Tourism boosts the water demand by about 1000 percent daily. While some say there are no water shortages, Wray says that villagers sometimes tell another story, complaining they only have water available a few days a week at certain times of the day. "It's hard to know who is right and who is wrong," he says.
In either case, Wray hopes the municipality will follow through on his recommendation to develop a comprehensive water management plan. "If they do so, Hersonissos would be the first in Crete to adopt such a comprehensive plan and can serve as a model for other municipalities," he says.
Currently only 3 percent of Crete's annual rainfall is used for island water use, Wray says; the rest represents an untapped source that could be used for non-potable purposes such as agriculture, laundry and more. Returning to traditional water storage methods such as cisterns would help to decrease the reliance on other sources of water in each community.
Wray commends the city for its construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, which is expected to begin operations within the year.
The biologist also is recommending:
*A study of the use and impacts of katsigaros, the by-product of olive oil:This residue stands in pond-sized open basins and the residual deposits create a strong odor. Katsigaros should be monitored to make sure the basins are constructed properly to insure that the residue does not leak into ground and drinking water. The new environmental office of Hersonissos should consider working with the researchers at the Technical Institute at Heraklion to look into alternative uses for the residue.
*Develop a landscape code to limit the amount of turf required in site development and encourage the use of native plants and vegetation rather than those which require a lot of water:
*Llimit use of water-intensive plants to 30 percent of the landscape per plot of land.
*Implement a rate structure for water use that encourages conservation.
As to the wetland and the steps needed to save it, Wray suggests the first and simplest action would be to post a sign in Greek, English and German explaining its significance to the ecology.
Other steps might include:
1.) Installing a temporary fence around the beachhead and the western edge to prohibit individuals from entering it.
2.) Removing the garbage.
3.) Setting up channels of communication with the neighboring municipality of Gouves so that the bordering city can work in cooperation to save the wetland.
4.) Installing a mesh fence on the south side of a bridge over the river to catch solid waste as it flows down into the wetland. The fence would need to be cleaned regularly.
5.)Removing the non-wetlands plants that have begun to invade.
6.)Better policing of the wetland to inhibit illegal dumping and other activities harmful to it.