The study area is located in central Chalkidiki and consists of two rectangle areas. The northern area is an area of 112 807 sq. Km., defined by the coordinates (23.4306 ° E, 40.2697 ° N) and (23.5883 ° E, 40.4817 ° N) and extends between the wooded areas of Arnea and the coast of Gerakini. The southern area is an area of 21 846 sq. Km., defined by the coordinates (23,6235 ° E, 40,2330 ° N) and (23,6911 ° E, 40,27717 ° N), and extends between the west part of the village of St. Nicholas and the west coast of Nikiti.
The land cover of the study area includes coniferous, broadleaved and mixed forests, as well as shrubs and grasslands with sclerophyllous vegetation, permanent crops (mainly olive trees and Christmas trees), arable land and crop complexes, mining sites and urban areas. The main forest species of the area are the Italian oak, beech, black pine, Turkish pine and aleppo pine. The fauna of the area is rich, with wild boar and game birds being among the most significant species.Part of the study area belongs to the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, as well as to the Regional National Park of Koronia-Volvi.
For further information for the study area please refer to Report 2.b