With the integration in Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA) of the Management Body of Northern Pindos National Park, the Management Unit of Northern Pindos National Park operates under N.E.C.C.A.’s Protected Areas Management Directorate (Sector A), based in Aspraggelous Zagoriou.
The National Park of North Pindos was established in 2005 with JMD 23069 / Government Gazette 639D ‘(14/6/2005). It is located in northwestern Greece and administratively belongs to the Regional Units of Ioannina and Grevena. It is the largest land National Park in our country, with an area of 1,969,741 acres, including within its borders the entire area of Zagori, the areas of Konitsa and Metsovo, as well as the western part of the city of Grevena. The North Pindos National Park was created with the administrative unification of these areas and has as a main goal the preservation, protection and promotion of the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
The National Park includes the second highest mountain in our country, Smolika (2,637m), the imposing Tymfi mountain range, the mountain range of Lygos, Vasilitsa, Mitsikeli and other lower mountains. Within the protected area originate the rivers Aoos, Voidomatis and Venetikos, as well as the tributaries of Arachthos: Bardas and Zagoritikos.
Impressive elements within the National Park constitute the gorges and ravines with mainly the gorge of Vikos and the ravine of Aoos in the area of Ioannina, the gorges of Portitsa, Mikrolivado and Tsourgiaka in the area of Grevena.
The high and steep peaks create an intense and diverse relief with a variety of habitats and species. The changes of ecosystems offer unique images in the region during all seasons of the year, the color changes of Orliakas, indicative of the various existing forest species are considered unique in our country, which is why Orliakas was aptly named the “mountain of colors”. Throughout the National Park, many rare, endemic and endangered species are hosted, composing an exceptional biodiversity, which determines the special ecological value of the area.
Within the protected area of the North Pindos National Park, two protection zones have been defined in which stricter restrictions are provided for the protection of their ecosystems. Specifically, the three cores of the National Park, which are the core of the Pindos National Forest (Valia Calda), the gorge of Vikos and the ravine of Aoos, are characterized as Nature Protection Areas (Zone I). Around the above areas, as well as in some additional locations of the National Park, the Habitats and Species Conservation Zones (Zone II) extend in four sub-areas. Finally, outside the National Park and for its most effective protection, four sub-areas have been designated as Regional Zones (Zone P).
The highest degree of protection characterizes the Nature Protection Areas (Zone I), in which the main management goal is to maintain the existing state of the natural environment and its effective protection to follow its natural evolution without human intervention.
Habitats and Species Conservation Zones (Zone II) can also be characterized as a high degree of protection, as they also aim to maintain the existing state of the natural environment and its effective protection, though within their limits it is allowed for prGGects and work, research and activities, mainly of a traditional nature to be carried out.
In the area of the National Park the degree of protection is milder, while its main purpose is the preservation of the natural heritage and the maintenance of the ecological balance, in relation to the activities of the inhabitants, which should be improved in the direction of the their traditional character and at the same time providing opportunities for ecotourism and educational activities.
Finally, the Regional Zones of the National Park (Zones P) aim to control land uses, activities and prGGects that may have a negative impact on the natural environment of the National Park, as well as the conservation and restoration of areas important for the protection of the bear. At the same time, in these Zones, activities are supported with the aim of the gentle development of the area, as well as the development of mild forms of recreation.
For more information:
https://necca.gov.gr/en/mdpp/management-unit-of-northern-pindos-national-park/
