Athanasia Chrysafis Biska

Lake Stymphalia in the northeast Peloponnese is a well-known wetland of heightened ecological importance for the local region, one included in the European Union's Natura 2000 programme for the conservation of fauna and flora.

Stymphalia, located in Corinth prefecture, is the only mountainous lake in the Peloponnese, Greece˘s southern-most province. Surrounded by Mt. Kyllini (or Zireia), Mt. Oligyrtos, Mt. Mavrovounio and Mt. Garrias, the wetland is rich in bird, amphibian and plant life, and is a very important refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds, including 133 species of protected fowl and birds threatened with extinction.

During the Roman era, the lake supplied water to ancient Corinth some 65 kilometres away through an aqueduct constructed during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.

Parts of the ancient aqueduct are still visible today. On its north shore lie the remnants of ancient Stymphalos. 

In Greek mythology, Lake Stymphalos is the site of Hercules' sixth labour, namely, to slay the man-eating Stymphalian birds (Stymphalides), pets of Aris, the god of war.

Athens News Agency: Preserving eponymous Lake Stymphalia; Natura 2000 Programme: Greece