Tourist industry demands protection of the wetlands

[News item March 2008]

In an open letter to the authorities in Lesbos, the Organization of Tour Guides, the Union of Motor Rental Agents and the Organization of Travel Agents in Lesbos  call for the protection of the Island's wetlands. They note that Lesbos is the island with the greatest number of wetlands in the Aegean and that these wetlands are:

	`an ecosystem rich in flora and fauna. In recent years there have been large numbers of tourists who come to watch, to enjoy and to write about the flora and fauna of the area. Unfortunately however this important economic resource is in danger of disappearing, along with the catastrophe to the wetlands and in parallel to the reputation of our island and our culture. The responsibility is ours.
	Although there are laws to protect them, the indifference of local authorities and residents as well as the violation of them by skilful means have as their result the disappearance and degradation of the wetland system and a great environmental catastrophe for all the living things which live or find refuge in them.'

The letter ends:

`We ask the local authorities, the Nomarchia and the Municipalities, to rapidly complete the environmental research for their protection, their safety the removal of landfill and garbage. We ask that whatever voting interests are playing a role be put aside, because the interests of the area is to be developed correctly and with respect for the natural environment and human beings.'

Friends of Green Lesbos heartedly endorses these views and sentiments. We hope to work with the tourist industry in bringing about the desired outcome.