The protection project of the Cave of Za in Naxos has been completed

It is with great pleasure that we announce that in the second half of June 2024 the project for the protection of the habitat and colonies of bats in the cave of Za in Naxos was completed, which was implemented in the framework of Action C1 " Protection, restoration and management of important roosting sites for bats" of our LIFE GRECABAT Project.

The project in Za was implemented despite its particular difficulties, since access to the area is via an inaccessible uphill path, which makes it difficult to transport materials and equipment.

The works were carried out under the supervision of the Forestry Department of Naxos (Mr. G. Manios / Project Supervisor) and the Archaeologist of the Ephorate of Paleoanthropology and Speleology (EPS – YPPO), Mr. Theofanis Mavridis, given that the area of the cave is a declared archaeological site (https://www.arxaiologikoktimatologio.gov.gr/el/monuments_info?id=173691&type=Space).

The project ensures the unhindered passage of bats (as well as other wildlife species) to and from the cave, while, at the same time, the nuisance of the colonies, the compaction of the floor and the degradation of the archaeological site stops. The cave is now effectively protected, while the possibility of accidents from uncontrolled entry into the cave is eliminated (hundreds of visitors entered daily, without having the required permits, training and equipment).

Visitors - hikers of the path to the top of Za now have the opportunity to be informed about the importance of the cave's habitat and the organisms it hosts, as well as the very important archaeological site through the environmental interpretation and signage signs of LIFE GRECABAT (https://www.lifegrecabat.eu/en/news-articles/308) but also the archaeological tablet, which was edited by Mr. Mavridis (EPS – YPPO) and printed by the Project team.

In addition, on 27/06/2024 we met with the Mayor of Naxos and Small Cyclades, Mr. Dimitris Lianos and discussed the actions of LIFE GRECABAT, as well as future actions in the area.

We warmly thank the team of the contractor company "EVANGELIA ANDRIANOPOULOU AND CO EE", Lilian, Giorgos and Roula for the impeccable design and implementation of the project, but also the craftsmen who worked on the construction, Vassilis and Petros from Filoti and finally, the lovely donkey that helped transport the materials and equipment!

Finally, we warmly thank the Association for the Protection of the Sea Turtle ARCHELON (www.archelon.gr) and especially Dimitris and the association "Wildlife Protection of Naxos" (www.naxoswildlifeprotection.com) and especially Giannis for their help.

Detailed documentation on the feasibility of the interventions can be found in the following Project reports (pages 24 to 27 and 48 to 53 respectively):

https://www.lifegrecabat.eu/sites/default/files/2021-06/Action_A1_Bats%20%20Inventory_UoC.pdf

https://www.lifegrecabat.eu/sites/default/files/2021-06/Action_A1_Hab8310_Inventory_HISR.pdf