Towards a Model for the Development of the Mesolonghi-Aitoliko Sea Lagoon in Greece

Abstract

The Sea Lagoon of Mesolonghi is located in central-west Greece and is considered to be one of the most significant sea lagoons in Europe in terms of ecological and environmental interests. It is an area of exceptional natural beauty, with a wide variety of rare plants and animals. Characterized as a biotope, it is a habitat protected by the Natura treaty and the Ramsar Convention that occupies 150,000 acres. Traces of continuous human life, as suggested by prehistoric findings, Greek mythology, archaeological sites, Early Christian temples and Byzantine monuments, till the modern period, are present in the area. Most significant examples of traditional architecture are the ‘Ivaries and Pelades’ used by the local fishermen for lodging purposes. The Mesolonghi Sea Lagoon offers an exemplary multidisciplinary laboratory of natural fishing techniques, local crafts and traditional architecture. As such, it is important to study this further for its potential for growth both as a rural landscape and as a form of traditional local tangible and intangible heritage. In this article, we discuss and present the relationships between the benefits of organized/natural sea cultivation processes, architectures’ contribution to the whole attempt of prosperity and economic growth of the community and the re-imagined rural landscape as well as the local development potential in a direction aligned with the environment, the local history and local traditions.