November 2001

THE GIALOVA LAGOON

A new production about the Gialova wetland is the documentary of the Hellenic Ornithological Society that was out this summer. Birds, nature, history, chameleons, turtles, landscapes, all that compose a pleasant and educational half hour for young and for old. Discover the mysteries f the lagoon and of a place that is worth staying as it is.
You can get the video from the information kiosk of the H.O.S. in Pylos, or order it from its offices in Athens.
18.884 visitors in Pylos and Gialova have passed from and were informed at the kiosk of the Ornithological Society during the years 1998 - 2001 that the program takes place. The program was operative evry summer mainly during the months of July and August by specially trained volunteers.
So far, 157 volunteers from Greece and all over the world have taken part in the volonteer programme of the H.O.S. in Gialova for the years 1998 - 2001. 111 of them were Greek and 46 αλλοδαποί, κυρίως from England and Europe. There were also volunteers from distant countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The volunteers from abroad find out about the Gialova Lagoon mainy from the book "Green Volunteers" that includes it and has its own website.
99 schools and 6.387 students have been part of the environmental education program of the H.O.S. during the years 1998 - 2001. The schools come mainly from Messinia, though there have been visits from the aea of Larissa, as well as university students from Germany and high school students from France. The programme includes birdwatching at the laggoon, tour in the Nature Path and slides about the wetland, the animals that live there and its importance to man. (Extract from the periodical edition of the Civilians Movement for Messinia "KINO").
The tour lasts about an hour and a half and includes, besides viewing the birds and their habitats with telescopes provided by the members of the Society, the Nature Trail that takes you through the various ecosystems at the laggon as well as information about the general ecological value of the area. The cost of the tour is 15000 drachmas or 1500 drachmas per person for over 10 people. There is also a kiosk operating in the summer, at the port, right opossite the City Hall, with information material. For more information contact Nicole Vlachogianni (tel.: 0030 723 023227).

October 2001

THE CELEBRATION OF THE NAVAL BATTLE OF NAVARINON

The celebrations and comemorative services for the naval battle of Navarinon that took place during the weekend were attended by a large number of people. There was also a parade by the students of the schools on Pylos as well as the armed forces that aarrived in Pylos for the occassion. Two battleships, one Greek and one from the Russian fleet were docked in the harbour. Attendees had also the chance to listen to the Hymn of Navarinon, composed by Johann Strauss and adapted by the band of the Greek Navy in a worldwide premiere.

July 2001

· The fish farm of Gialova has been leased to the Fishing Association of Koryfasion "Nestoras" for two years.
· The Senior High School of Pylos aquired three brand new fully equipped labs, a computer lab, e technology lab and a physics lab.
· Changing of the plan of Pylos
It is soon to be approved and it proposes a pedestrians street, park in the area of the Kindergarden, a kindergarden in the area of the Primary School, as well ass new parks and an open air thatre near the old Gymnasio.

* The news are from the Pylian newspaper Kastro.