Meteora: One Of The Oldest And Most Important Climbing Destinations In Greece
Meteora is one of the oldest and most important organized climbing fields in Greece and one of the most recognizable destinations in the world. For almost 50 years, the imposing cliffs have attracted hundreds of climbers from all over the world. At the same time, however, they are a paradise for many species of birds, the most characteristic of all being the Egyptian vulture, which although in the past was the symbol of the area (with more than 50 pairs), today it has reached critical numbers.
Disturbance from climbing activity is a potential danger to birds, but can be avoided with appropriate actions. There is “space” for everyone on the rocks and the harmonious coexistence of climbers and birds is possible where there is sensitivity, good cooperation and proper planning. In the spirit of coexistence, researchers from two projects of HOS/BirdLife Greece (LIFE Bonelli eastMed, EV New LIFE Project) and the people of «Climb in Meteora» and the Alpine Club of Kalambaka met on Friday, 1st of April in Kalambaka, at Climb’s base. A presentation on the avian fauna of Meteora and especially the endangered Egyptian vulture was carried out. Participants also discussed how and under which conditions climbing can be a danger to birds, while the outdoor activities online sensitivity map developed in the framework of LIFE Bonelli eastMed was presented. The next day we practiced and conducted joint research to identify possible sensitive areas / fields / routes where climbing activity may need to be timed. In fact, with the valuable advice of the climbers, the exact location of two nests of Black Storks was identified, which until now had not been recorded.