More Threats to the Wetlands
[news item march 2008]
Collaboration with our new allies has been severely tested this year by a
series of threats to the wetlands. Over each one we have protested to the
relevant authorities (primarily the Department of Building and Environment and
the Nomarch) and asked for the environment to be restored. In all cases fines have been imposed but the required restoration
has not been carried out. The cases are as follows:
Parakoila Marsh Permission was granted to build a roadside cafeteria on the edge of the
protected land. Landfilling far exceeded the extent of the permission granted
and extended well on to the marsh. Fines were imposed and an appeal is pending;
no landfil has been removed
Alikudia Pool
The Mayor of Polychnitos dumped baza for the building of two roads, one along
the west (seaward) side of the pool to allow access to an old house on the beach
which has been restored, and one across the pool to provide access to a (new?)
house on the east of the Pool. He was fined 10,000 euros and ordered to remove
the baza and restore the site. New fines are being threatened for
non-compliance.
Kalloni Pool The mayor of Kalloni has been fined for dumping asphalt raod waste into the
Skala Kalloni Pool with the intent of creating parking and warned to remove it;
new fines are pending for non-compliance.
Kalloni Salt Pans 1 The Mayor of Kalloni built a legal bird hide at the north-east corner of
the salt pans but then illegally dumped landfill on Ennea Kamares on the
opposite side of the road. He has been told to remove it.
Kalloni Salt Pans 2 Permission has been granted to build a 3500 sq. m. storage building on
what was once a beautiful marsh meadow on the north-west corner of the
salt-pans. Planning permission was refused by the Nomarchia but was granted on
appeal shortly before the 2007 Parliamentary elections. This planning permission
is clearly in breach of the Habitats Directive since the land is part of Natura
2000. We are considering our options.