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.
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 | 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.'
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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.
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