Evaluation of the Effects of Irrigation and Drainage Practices on the Landscape of Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina: Implications for Landscape Management in the Context of Sustainability

In order to achieve the maintenance of the so called natural heritage and sustainable development, it is necessary to apply landscape management for the conservation of natural sources. Although water is a renewable source, it is not inexhaustible, neither of continuous quality. Good quality water reserves decline globally due to wasteful consumption or mismanagement and thus water is becoming a source in demand among the several consumers (agriculture, industry, civil systems etc). In Greece, about 70-80% of water is used for agricultural purposes. Irrigation and drainage brought about significant changes in the landscape of Ioannina basin. A brief review and evaluation of irrigation and drainage practices in the basin of Ioannina makes obvious that there is a need to address issues related to water use and management in the context of sustainability, climate change and water deficiency. Therefore, the present paper aims to provide an overview of the challenges involved in applying landscape management regarding the use and management of water and discuss solutions, proposals or recommendations in the context of sustainability of the lake ecosystem and generally the protected area. Emphasis is given to the integration of ecosystem services in landscape management.