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Valley and lake of Stymphalia are located in Greece ,north-east of Peloponesse,70 km from Korinth and encircled by the Kilini mountaineous chain.That is a natural reserve existing for many thousands years.
Many of us for sure have listened this name,but can't tell anything more.
At the greek mythology ,hero Herakles killed the tremendous birds of Stymfalos which were killing animals and people. Near the lake are the archeological site of ancient city Stymphalos of Arcadia.
This place remembers conquering by Alexander the Great ,romans, frankish and later turkish ocupation.
In our time, modern Stymphalia is included in prefecture of Korinthia under its own local municipality and population now is around 5000 people
Unfortunately ,this region is rather isolated from civilisation and cultural advance and nature around is aggressed by man intervention.Only since a couple of years by involving in EU programs for development ,the lake is under protection, declared as a natural reserve and is NATURA 2000 area,and have been started couple of programms to promote and develope this region.
As local activists organisation in September 2000 was established Youth County Council of Stymphalia.
Fishing and hunting were planned to be resticted here but still is difficult to stop intruders here.As well it is not allowed to install tents for picnics here with open fire,which is damaging flora and fauna with no regret.