Lake Kerkini was created in 1932 when a dam was built across the Strymonas river, in order to provide flood protection, retain solid materials and irrigate the Serres plain. It is one of the ten Wetlands of International Importance in Greece, one of the 196 Important Bird Areas (IBA) in Greece, a Special Protection Area and a member of the Natura 2000 network.

As part of the project, seven artificial islets were constructed and vegetation was planted around them. Fencing was placed around a cluster of five artificial islets that extends along 2,000m, with a surface area of 22,000m2 for planting trees, in order to keep animals from grazing in the area. Also, actions were undertaken to improve conditions for the conservation of existing trees of the riparian forest along a 2,000m2 surface area (deep ploughing). Additionally, a temporary road network was constructed to access the project area. The project includes the reconstruction of the 2nd storey of the former Kerkini community building in the Kerkini settlement of the Municipality of Sintiki in the Regional Unit of Serres and its conversion into functional accommodation for volunteers.

Benefits: The wetlands have many roles, functions and uses, including:

• Flood protection: they retain the water of Strymonas river and prevent the risk of floodingthe Serres plain.
• Irrigation: they provide water for irrigation to a large part of the prefecture of Serres.
• Fishing: it is one of the lakes with the greatest fish stocks in Greece.
• Biodiversity: the lake with its wetlands vegetation and surrounding mountains offers refuge to many species of wildlife.
• Science: they provide an important site for scientific research on wetlands, their management and human impact on their functions, because of its great biological diversity and the activities developed in the area.
• Education: The wetlands and their environs serve as a venue for environmental education for pupils and adults.
• Leisure - ecotourism: A destination for visitors, giving rise to the development of soft leisure activities,
• Economy: The wetlands are a significant source of income for farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen, whilst the ongoing growth of ecotourism means that new professions are prospering in the broader area (guides, restaurants, accommodation services, etc.)

 Budget: €580,000