Restoration of Ecological Processes in the Wetland Lake Keri, Zakynthos: Sealing of Three Former Hydrocarbon Wells and Monitoring of Environmental Outcomes – Pilot Implementation

Τhe Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (HSGME) participates as a project partner in the initiative “Restoration of Ecological Processes in the Wetland Lake Keri, Zakynthos: Sealing of Three Former Hydrocarbon Wells and Monitoring of Environmental Outcomes – Pilot Implementation”. The project is financed by the Green Fund, through the Funding Programme “NATURAL ENVIRONMENT – INNOVATIVE ACTIONS 2023”, under the Priority Axis 1: Ongoing Actions.

Lake Keri is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (N.M.P.Z.), located at its southwestern boundary, within the Natura 2000 protected area GR2210002. Covering approximately 25 hectares, it is the last remaining wetland on the island. Historically, as noted since the time of Herodotus, the area has exhibited continuous natural hydrocarbon discharges on surface. Today, however, the wetland faces considerable ecological degradation, highlighting the urgent need for environmental restoration to support sustainable development, while preserving both the natural and social environment.

As part of the restoration effort, the project includes:  assessment and sealing of three existing hydrocarbon wells located in the most contaminated area; management of generated liquid and solid waste; environmental monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of the restoration actions.

The actions undertaken by HSGME are implemented by the Directorate of Natural and Technological Hazards Management (DFYTEK) and include:

• Action 1: Assessment of pollution levels and investigation/mapping of the hydrocarbon discharges network.
• Action 2: Supervision of works for the sealing of three hydrocarbon wells.
• Action 4: Implementation of the environmental monitoring programme.
• Action 5: Public information and environmental awareness activities.

Project details