People and Projects Solving Freshwater Restoration Challenges

EcoAdvance European Project

Showcase category ➤ Recreating Freshwater Ecosystems

GREECE

Dr Leonidas Vardakas

Research Associate - Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters

Scientists & Researchers
My Projects

PARNON project - Actions to improve the conservation status of the protected fish species Squalius keadicus (Endangered) and Pelasgus laconicus (Critically Endangered), in the Evrotas river basin (2020 – 2023)

  • Key project facts
    1. Creating summer refugia for freshwater fish in intermittent streams
    2. Conservation translocations 
    3. Pilot Reduction/Eradication of invasive freshwater fish

    Goals: Expand the area of occupancy of threatened species, sustain fish populations

  • What impact did these projects have on biodiversity, if any?

    Expanded the area of occupancy of threatened species, Enhanced fish populations.

  • What work challenges did you face and what approach did you take to solve them?

    Νatural variability of hydrological conditions posed a significant scientific challenge/Lack of effective communication with local stakeholders, and in some cases, outright resistance or unwillingness to understand the importance of environmental issues.

  • What lessons learned are transferable to other places/projects?

    Adaptive management: Working with ecosystems that are influenced by highly variable hydrological conditions taught us the importance of flexible, data-driven approaches. Designing interventions that can be adjusted as conditions change improves long-term resilience and effectiveness.

    Stakeholder engagement should be a scientific priority.

    Is there anything you would do differently if you could do it all over again?
    Yes, deeper stakeholder engagement, more investment in communication and awareness, greater flexibility in project planning.
My Focus and Approach
  • Lessons Learnt - Some recommendations for others?
    1. What’s most important:

      Hire a specialist for socio-economics.

    2. Do this, not that: 

      Make a flexible plan and try to adapt in adverse conditions. Don’t be strict. 

    3. Always start by:

      By knowing your species and study area.

    4. What to do when things get difficult…:

      Adapt, adapt, adapt.

    5. 5 simple steps to:
      1. Review the literature,
      2. design your actions,
      3. construct/apply your actions,
      4. fine tune your errors,
      5. apply again

    6. The biggest barrier and what I am trying to do about it:
      Local authorities’ engagement. Hire a specialist.
My Journey
  • My current role:

    Do my best to protect freshwater fish species in need. 

  • My journey:

    Pure luck. However, once I was in this journey, a loved the ride. 

  • My Education:

    A bachelor degree in Aquaculture and Fisheries, a MSc in Integrative Coastal management and a PhD in Freshwater Fish Ecology with emphasis in intermittent streams. 

  • The Big Change:

    I am not sure if there is a big change with my work. Hopefully in the future.  

  • Favourite part of the work I do:

    I love doing all parts but I think more I enjoy field samplings. 

Interview

Key Topics:

Key Topics

These relate to specific topics (e.g. technical solutions; restoration activities etc.) addressed within the showcase materials.

  • Social-economic importance
  • Stakeholder cooperation
  • Flexible project planning
  • Biodiversity
Prone2Success Factors Demonstrated:

Prone2Success Factors Demonstrated

These are the Prone2Success checklist factors which are highlighted within this showcase. More information on the Prone2Success checklist can be found here.

  • Measurable goals to improve ecological status
  • Supports WFD, NRL and other restoration policy goals
  • Local planning processes are transparent / clearly understood
  • Include adaptive management approaches (combined with monitoring)
  • Demonstrate specific ecological improvements/legal compliance / communicating results during and after the project
  • Take climate change into account
NRL Restoration Categories:

NRL Restoration Categories

These are the restoration categories (listed under Annex VII of the European Nature Restoration Law (NRL) which are relevant to this showcase.

  • [2] Improve hydrological conditions
  • [12] Assist migration of provenances and species
  • [24] Remove / control invasive species
Resources

ResearchGate entry for Leonidas Vardakas

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