Ioannina is the capital and largest city of Epirus, a north-western region of Greece, with an increasing population of 112,486 people. Forms a geopolitical crossroad of the development axis of north Greece. Lake Pamvotis is what mainly characterizes Ioannina and gives its own stigma in the city. The city's modern development is marked by its advancement in arts, literature, trade and tourism.
Main environmental challenges faced by the city
Lake Pamvotida is an aquatic ecosystem and has been characterized as an eco-development system. The inhabited lake island is a tourist attraction, as is the Perama Cave. The natural surroundings of the city are one of the 19 aesthetic forests of the country. Ioannina is a major tourist destination at all times of the year, and the city's growing tourist infrastructure supports it. Ioannina’s sustainable urban development plan, aims to protect, restore and highlight the natural environment, the city's history and cultural heritage as factors to enhance competitiveness and promote employment.
NBS implemented or planned
Municipality of Ioannina during the previous years has implemented street renovations on soft sidewalks in the historic city centre and bicycles lanes of about 6,6 Km. Now among others, is going to interconnect, redevelop, upgrade and enhance public spaces, existing network of pedestrians, public roads and squares promoting the lakeside area and others significant areas such as the castle and the Litharitsia Park.
Also plans projects like integrated actions for the protection and restoration of Lake Pamvotida and like those of remodelling of aquaculture areas as ecotourism and environmental awareness-raising areas.