The term wetland is a collective term for ecosystems whose processes (physical, chemical, and biological) and functions are primarily dominated and regulated by water. Although water is the fundamental requirement for identifying an area as a wetland, also soil and vegetation-particularly plants adapted to water conditions-are two other key characteristics of wetlands.

The most widely accepted definition of wetlands is the one provided by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat^[1].

In Greece, more than 2,200 wetlands have been recorded, covering an area of approximately 250,000 hectares. Some are very large, such as the wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, while most are small, including stream estuaries, small lakes and marshes, artificial ponds located near or within agricultural areas, as well as many island wetlands.

The conservation and restoration of wetlands are national priorities (as outlined in the National Biodiversity Strategy and the National Restoration Plan).