Most nature-seeking travellers poring over a world map tend to skip Greece, unaware it hosts some of the most environmentally significant wildlife habitats and wetlands in Europe.
The Dadia Forest Reserve spreads across the southeastern foothills of the Rodopi mountain range in the northeastern prefecture of Evros, in Thrace. The nearby Evros River, whose equally important delta has been designated a Ramsar, marks the northeastern border with Turkey and Bulgaria.
The forest reserve, whose rich natural and historical treasures remain relatively undiscovered by tourists, comprises two core zones spanning 7,200 hectares, encircled by a buffer zone of around 28,000 hectares. Pine and oak trees predominate within an ever-changing mosaic of open areas, streams, creeks, thick-forested areas and rocky outcrops. Home to an impressive variety of reptile species and rare, as well as endangered, birds of prey, the Dadia reserve has been declared a Special Protection Area under an EU directive.
Over 200 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles and amphibians, in addition to 40 species of mammals coexist in harmony in the reserve. A total of 23 species of birds of prey, out of the 38 found throughout Europe, nest at Dadia - among them the last black vulture colony in southeast Europe, the white-tailed eagle and imperial eagle. Positioned between Europe and Asia, the area constitutes one of the major flyways for migratory birds with some 10 species regularly dropping in for winter. The birds of prey feed on the wide array of reptiles and amphibians on offer, such as the 13 species of snakes, frogs and toads. Common and rare mammals seen in the area include brown bears, wolves, wild boars, otters, foxes, badgers and wildcats.
Eco-friendly tourism
Since 1992, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has been cooperating with the Environment Ministry, the Soufli forestry service and ecologically-educated local communities on a project for the integrated management, supervision and development of eco-tourism in the Dadia reserve.
Rather than impact negatively on the environment, eco-tourism has provided the means with which to effectively conserve these sites. A community-owned eco-tourism centre has been established, offering accommodation within the unassuming 60-bed Dadia Forest Eco-tourist Lodge (tel 0554-32209). WWF operates an information desk in the centre, which organises visits to the nearby bird observation post and the forest itself.
Visitors can also take a mini-bus to the observatory or view the forest on foot via pathways, two of which lead to the Gibrena Peak (520m) that presents astounding views of the entire forest. Outside the forest, nearby attractions include the Byzantine town of Didymoteicho, the Evros delta and the town of Soufli, known for its long history in silk production.
