Athens Olympic organisers won the backing of European environment commissioner Margot Wallstrom in January for their work on a controversial rowing centre in the ecologically fragile Skinias area.

"This was a very, very controversial site but I can see with my own eyes that a lot of good work has been done here," Margot Wallstrom told reporters after inspecting the site.

EC approval

"Something that looked like an environmental problem is starting to look like an opportunity," she said.

The area, which witnessed fierce fighting between Greeks and Persians in the 490 BC battle of Marathon, has been the subject of a modern-day conflict between Olympic organisers and ecological groups.

Opponents of the rowing complex say the artificial lakes being created will damage a rare Mediterranean pine forest and wetland bird habitat.

However, Athens organisers (ATHOC) have countered critics saying that the Olympic works have helped to preserve the area, leading to the creation of a national park.

A nearby spring channelled into the sea since 1920 will be rerouted to supply fresh water for the rowing lake, while irrigating adjacent wetlands and helping to regenerate the forest, according to officials.

Restoring wetlands

"We are saving the water instead of it being thrown away," said ATHOC chief Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki.

"This is another example of how Olympic works can upgrade an area... not only for Olympic uses but in returning the natural balance to the ecosystem," she said.

Environmental group Greenpeace, who have criticised ATHOC's record on green issues gave a cautious welcome to developments at Skinias.

"Everyone one can claim victory here but we need to see how the area is managed after the Games," said Greenpeace Greece director Nikos Haralambidis.

We argued all along the site should be located elsewhere This is one of the last important areas for birds in Attica, he said.

Skinias been listed under the EU Natura programme, a network of sites for the protection of rare species and habitats, which calls for a long-term management plan overseen at EU level.

We are satisfied with the development of the project and we will continue to monitor it closely, said Wallstrom.

Site contractors said the construction of the artificial lake had already forced the closure of an airstrip handling 300 flights a day, helping to restore bird populations.

During the construction we have observed 36 bird species, 13 of which have been seen here for the first time, said Skinias park president Kimon Hatzibiros.

The rowing centre including 7,500 square metres of permanent facilities is scheduled to open in August this year for an Olympic test event.

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