The Greek government’s latest move to protect its pristine coastlines has sparked both praise and criticism from environmentalists and locals alike.
In an effort to curb overdevelopment and address the backlash from residents, the government published a list of 198 “untrodden beaches” that are now off limits to bars, restaurants, and large public gatherings. This decision comes after protests erupted last summer, with locals feeling pushed out of their own beaches by businesses catering to the influx of tourists.
The conservative government has vowed to crack down on seaside businesses that violate regulations, with penalties of up to 60,000 euros for those occupying more than 50 percent of Greek beaches with umbrellas and sun beds. However, critics argue that the government’s efforts are not comprehensive enough to tackle the issue of illegal land use.
The list of “untrodden beaches” includes areas in the European Union’s Natura program, which are protected under European law for their ecological importance. These beaches will not be auctioned off for commercial use, and the presence of sun-loungers and umbrellas will be prohibited, along with public events involving more than 10 people.
Despite the government’s efforts, some environmentalists remain skeptical. Eleni Andrianopoulou, a member of a local “Save the beaches” group, criticized the government for not providing real protection to Natura areas. Demetre Karavellas, director of the World Wildlife Fund Greece, called for the government to prioritize effectively managing and conserving existing protected areas before creating new categories of protection.
The government’s new initiative also includes the introduction of an app called “MyCoast,” allowing people to report violations and help enforce the regulations put in place to preserve Greece’s valuable coastal environment.
