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Pamvotida Lake is not as rich as in the past. The draining of its twin lake, Lapsista, in the mid-50s drastically reduced the water supply to Pamvotida. Eels have disappeared almost completely, since they no longer have an exit to the Kalama River and through it to the sea for their journey to the Sargasso Sea where they reproduce. For decades, pesticides and fertilizers which are used more and more extensively these days, sewers, and all types of farms, crafts and industrial activities have been negatively affecting this complex ecosystem, so that it has ultimately lost a significant part of its capacity for self-purification. "Basically, the biggest coastal area of the lake was surrounded by reeds, which filtered the pollution. But we cleansed the land, built night centres and eventually turned the lake into a "bathtub" where all our waste is stored and deposited," said Costas Gekas, councillor of Ioannina. The water treatment plant has partially solved the problem, but the problem with heavy metals in the water still remains.

The unification of monasteries

Today, in addition to the restoration of the environment, the unification of the monasteries in a fully accessible network is the most important issue to the residents of the island. Both Byzantine monasteries - Filantropinon and Stratigopoulou have tremendous historical and religious value. These monasteries are outstanding examples of Epirus art. Up to the mid-18th century, when Ioannina became a centre of the Greek Enlightenment, these monasteries were an important educational centre. The Metropolis of Ioannina has restored them and created a convention centre; and with the help of the municipality and the Ministry of Culture, it has turned the monastery of Eleusis into a modern museum. When the entire project is completed, the monasteries will become a centre of religious, historical and congress tourism.

Islanders respond differently when asked what makes them stay here - the beauty of nature, the continuation of the tradition or the sense of security. All answers are correct. However, Theodoros Gekas said "It is good luck to live in a beautiful place which others want to visit. And I love meeting them."