Chimaditida Lake (Greece): Nature-based Solutions for Wetland Restoration

This Case Study corresponds to the Chimaditida lake complex, located in Western Macedonia (Northern Greece) within the Regional Unit of Florina. The area belongs administratively to Amyntaio Municipality.  The four lakes conforming the complex are hydrologically connected, through artificial canals and ditches, and includes the lakes of Zazari, Chimaditida, Petron and Vegoritida. 

Lakes Chimaditida and Zazari belong to the Natura 2000 Network (total area of 40,64km²), and they are also designated as Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation. For instance, lake Chimaditida and its surrounding wetlands provide habitat for more than 141 bird species, from which four are endangered at European level. Local flora is also rich, comprising more than 150 plant species, from which 20 are considered important for their rarity in Greece, including the partially submerged communities growing on the wetlands around the lakes, the submerged communities, and peatlands. In addition, 114 species of phytoplankton have been identified, which shows the eutrophic character of the lake.

The lake infrastructure, the linkage of the four lakes, was developed in order to use water for irrigation purposes, as the main land use of the Amyntaio Municipality is agriculture (arable annual crops, vineyards or tree orchards), followed by pasture land. Most of the population work as farmers and stockbreeders. Vineyards are an ancient crop and produce unique, world-famous wines. The area is characterized by a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) according to the Köppen classification. 

The main objective of this case study was the conservation and restoration of Lake Chimaditida and to strengthen the capacity of natural wetlands to store and treat water through improved natural management and better control of pollution discharges

NATMed, EU-funded project through the PRIMA Programme (n. 2221)

• Decrease in water use for irrigation purposes and decrease in surface runoff due to smart irrigation systems.
• Improved water quality in Chimaditida lake through the removal and retention of nutrients due to improved vegetation structure and wetland functioning. 
• Control of massive reedbed expansion.
• Increased plant species diversity and improved habitat conditions for both terrestrial and aquatic fauna species.
• Increase the lake’s water storage capacity, water retention, hydrological balance, and greater ecosystem resilience. 
• Synergies with regional funding programmes - Regional Operational Program (ROP) of Western Macedonia – ensuring continuity beyond the project lifetime. 
• Enhanced awareness and knowledge among local stakeholders regarding the benefits of NbS and livestock grazing for wetland restoration

• Buffalo grazing for wetland management: Introduction of rotational buffalo grazing to control excessive reed growth, reduce erosion, enhance plant biodiversity and improve wetland structure, while supporting local livelihoods through livestock-based economic activities.
• Riparian buffers implementation: Establishment of riparian buffer zones with native trees and shrubs along selected lake shores to reduce agricultural runoff, improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, control erosion and increase flood resilience.
• Water distribution systems improvement (Water 4.0): Modernisation of irrigation and water distribution networks through smart monitoring systems, real-time data analysis and automated control to reduce water losses, optimise irrigation efficiency and decrease water withdrawals from the lake
• Monitoring and impact assessment: Implementation of a comprehensive monitoring framework to assess impacts on water quantity, hydrological regulation, water quality, hydromorphology and biodiversity, supporting adaptive management.
• Stakeholder engagement: Active involvement of local stakeholders through co-design sessions to identify needs, priorities and barriers, ensuring acceptance and long-term sustainability of the implemented NbS.

• NbS can function not only as environmental measures but also as effective economic tools for rural development. Buffalo grazing has proven to be a systemic and integrated solution that addresses a major ecological challenge while simultaneously generating socio-economic benefits.
• Proactively aligning projects with existing regional and national funding programmes significantly strengthens the implementation and long-term sustainability of NbS.
• Importance of early regulatory engagement and proactive risk mitigation. Securing the required environmental authorisations at an early stage—particularly in sensitive areas such as Natura 2000 sites—helped avoid potential delays and reduced high-priority external risks.
• The development of a Theory of Change provides a strategic foundation that guides the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, enabling adaptive management and allowing the project to respond effectively to evolving ecological and socio-economic conditions.
• The use of co-design sessions is a successful governance model for continuous stakeholder engagement, which ensures the NbS design incorporates local knowledge and increases community acceptance.

Environmental Center of Western Macedonia (Case Study Leader)

University of Western Macedonia (Case Study Leader)

NBSCLIMATE (IUCN Assessment)

CARTIF Technology Center (Project Coordinator)

Theodoros Stavrakas (KEPE), Vasileios Ampas (UoWM), Claudia Sánchez (NBSCLIMATE), Raquel Marijuan (CARTIF)