The environmental and cultural wealth of the island is clearly apparent, and the reasons behind its designation by ministerial decree in 1976 as a landscape of outstanding natural beauty are unmistakable.In addition, a significant area of the island (about 20 square kilometers of rare natural beauty stretching from the mountain of Profitis Elias as far as the western coast of the island) was incorporated under the European NATURA 2000 Network of protected natural sites, designating it an area of broader interest subject to European legislative regulation.
The NATURA area of Sifnos, at an average altitude of 150 metres, is host to 39 species of bird, 19 rare, mainly endemic animals, and plant species. Among these are the protected variety of cedar uniperus-uniperus (dwarf juniper or ‘fida’ in the Sifnian dialect).
Growing in the terrestrial part of the area is an incredible wealth of different types of cedar, pistacia (‘schinos’), herbs, and wild olive trees. There are also a significant number of springs which are important water sources for the island. In the marine part of the protected area, there are swathes of underwater vegetation (Posidonia oceanica), and there is an impressively varied alternation between small coves and rocky shores.
Apart from its extraordinary natural beauty, the NATURA area exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.
Source: www.sifnos.gr