The benthic macroinvertebrate communities and ecological quality of eleven temporary rivers (seven intermittent and four ephemeral) in Dadia National Park, north-eastern Greece, were examined with respect to the degree of flow temporality. Sampling took place during the high flow season at both ephemeral and intermittent sites and during the low flow season only at the intermittent ones, which receded to pools. Despite the remarkable seasonal variation in both the hydrology and ecology of the intermittent rivers, the various metrics and indices as well as the multivariate analyses confirmed the clear distinction between the two river types (ephemeral and intermittent). Existing European quality indices do not sufficiently differentiate between ephemeral and intermittent river types, and thus cannot reliably discriminate the degree of natural variability from human induced stressors in temporary rivers.
The water level in Lake Vegoritida, Greece, has undergone great changes over the past decades attributable to severe water abstraction directly from the lake and its catchment, which affected not only the conditions of the natural environment, but also social and economic conditions. The water level of the lake is currently rising, with discussion of an agreeable decision about the desired maximum lake water level becoming a source of conflict among the lake stakeholders. The present study provides a framework for a participatory management plan, with the perspective of engaging all levels of lake stakeholders in the process of deciding and establishing the maximum lake water level. Kolb's learning cycle is used as a methodological vehicle in the proposed process of participatory decision-making. Its contribution to decisionmaking includes (a) identification of lake stakeholders and the issues arising from a potential establishment of a maximum lake water level; and (b) three suggested water level scenarios to facilitate a future constructive discussion directed to establishing a maximum water level in Lake Vegoritida.
K E Y W O R D Senvironmental aspects, integrated water resources management, lake level management, socio-economic aspects, stakeholders | 25 DOULGERIS anD aRGYROUDI
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