The estuary of the Skafidaras stream is located approximately 3.5 km west-northwest of Sitia. It is the estuary of a very small seasonal stream that passes through the gorge of Agioi Pantes. The open water surface is very small (<5%) due to increased vegetation from salt cedars (Tamarix sp.), reeds (Arundo donax), and cattails (Typha sp.), along with other tree and shrub species. The habitats found here include 92D0 - Southern riparian galleries and thickets (Nerio-Tamaricetea and Securinegion tinctoriae) and 72A0 - Reed beds.
In the natural environment around the stream, human interventions are relatively intense. The road network is extensive, and there are several agricultural activities near the streambed. The wetland is within a Wildlife Refuge (K640, Government Gazette 1802/B/1999) and is protected by the Presidential Decree for small island wetlands (Government Gazette 229/AAP/2012).
Wetland name: Skafidaras stream estuary
Wetland code: Y432KRI017
Wetland type: Coastal Area: 2.6 acres
The wetland description is a result of the research project Joint Innovative Activities for Outdoor Tourism-JoinOut. The project entitled "Partnership of Innovative Rural Tourism Actions" and distinctive title: "JoInOuT", is implemented within the framework of the Action "Cooperative Innovation Formations/SCC" - 2nd Call: Businesses" and is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by National Resources in the context of the Operational Program "Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPANEK)" of the NSRF 2014-2020" (Project code: ΓΓ2CL-0359457).
