More evidence that the region of Erimitis, NE Corfu is of great ecological value

Press Release

Thessaloniki, 24/02/2023

More evidence that the region of Erimitis, NE Corfu is of great ecological value.

Erimitis peninsula, comprises a unique natural landscape and precious environment for terrestrial and marine biodiversity located in north-eastern coast of Corfu. Most significantly, it is one of the last untouched areas remaining on Corfu’s increasingly built-up coastline.

Since 2021, iSea has been supporting every conservation effort focused on this natural capital that the local community defends united for the past 12 years, and to further showcase its ecological value has conducted actions examining the unique Posidonia habitat, its ecosystem services, and the marine biodiversity.

The significant findings of these studies, serve to support the local efforts of the association Erimiti Plous and the campaign Save Erimitis, aiming to celebrate this natural ecosystem and placed under strict protection, to preserve the landscape and the biodiversity of the area, all species of flora and fauna and of course the valuable marine ecosystem, that any “development” plans would simply destroy.

iSea has mapped the Posidonia meadows, has evaluated its conservation status and has estimated the Blue Carbon stock, around the beach of Vromolimni, where the “development” plans foresee the construction of a marina in place of this valuable ecosystem.

The total coverage of the meadow, exclusively in the area where the marina will be situated, was estimated to be 157.000 m2. However, it is important to notice that the Posidonia meadows extend beyond the limits of the study area. Furthermore, the meadow of the area expresses a “Good ecological status” and holds more than 560 tonnes of organic carbon, an amount calculated to be much greater considering that the study area referred to a small part of the meadow.

By recording the biodiversity, the already existing data was enriched in consideration with the marine species of the area. In particular, 82 different marine species were recorded, where in combination with the previous studies they complete the presence of 107 species in total.

It is vital that every development plan for the region, and similar ecosystems, must be based on the preservation of their ecological value, for the benefit of the local communities and on the basis of sustainable development that ensures the last remaining areas of the natural unspoilt world are protected for future generations!

To find more information about the importance of Erimitis and to learn about the Save Erimitis campaign, click here.

Find more information about the marine environment of Erimitis here.

For further information please contact: Erimiti Plous, info@erimitis.gr

Ionian Environment Foundation, victoria@ionianenvironment.org iSea,

Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, info@isea.com.gr