Zakynthos:- The Gulf of Lagana, decisions by the Council of Europe

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• Decision –  for the Gulf of Laganas in Zakynthos by the Council of Europe

• Strict Recommendations for Kyparissia Bay as well

In order to protect the most important spawning beaches of sea turtles in Greece, but also throughout the Mediterranean, the 40th Standing Committee of the Bern Convention – Council of Europe, adopted the proposals of MEDASSET (Mediterranean Association on decision to “reopen” the case of Zakynthos after twenty (21) whole years. The work of the Standing Committee, which took place via teleconference from 30 November to 4 December, once again focuses on the ineffective protection of the habitats of the Loggerhead Sea Turtles known as Caretta Caretta, in our country.

The Gulf of Laganas in Zakynthos is the second most important spawning area of ​​Caretta caretta sea turtles in Greece, but also in the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, every year significant threats and pressures are recorded for the turtles that nest in Zakynthos by MEDASSET in collaboration with ARCHELON and WWF Hellas, such as illegal constructions along the lengths of the spawning beaches, unobstructed traffic jams in the area, unobstructed traffic in fishing and also light pollution.

And while the case of Zakynthos is one of the most advanced in the Berne Convention, with the Recommendation of the Standing Committee to be issued as early as 1987 (Recommendation No. 9), with the establishment of the Zakynthos National Marine Park (NMPZ) in December,  the Zakynthos case was “closed” by the Council of Europe. However, MEDASSET, having a deep knowledge of the enormous ecological value of the Gulf of Laganas, continued its annual on-site observations and substantiated references to the Berne Convention. It was obvious that the State had failed to protect this extremely important habitat and to provide the appropriate means and resources to the NMPZ, in order to fulfil its role perfectly.

Thus, after twenty years, considering the MEDASSET report on the significant shortcomings in the protection of the Gulf of Laganas, the Berne Convention “reopens” the case. It is worth noting that the Ministry of Environment and Energy did not submit a report this year on the protection measures in the area.

The “opening” of the Gulf of Laganas case means additional pressure from the Berne Convention to the competent authorities of the country for compliance with the recommendations, while looking forward to further actions.

However, the inaction of the Greek State for the protection of biodiversity and habitats, despite the outbreak of the pandemic and the ongoing natural disasters, does not become apparent only in the case of Zakynthos. And the protection of the Gulf of Kyparissia, which is home to the largest number of Caretta carreta nests in the Mediterranean and one of the most important Athian ecosystems, is inadequate.

The violations of Recommendation No. 174 recorded by MEDASSET in cooperation with ARCHELON, concerned illegal buildings, unimpeded movement of vehicles on the spawning beaches, cultivation of foreign species and destruction of the dormitories, coastal fishing, lack of management, etc. Almost no tangible progress has been made two years after the issuance of the Presidential Decree for the protection of the Gulf of Kyparissia and four years after the European Court of Human Rights (2016) ruled on the country.

A comprehensive management plan for the area is still pending, and breaches of existing legislation do not result in fines. As a result, violations in the region are perpetuated, while ecosystems and sea turtles are threatened. The decision of the Berne Convention is also a complaint against the Greek State, as the case of Kyparissiakos remains “open” for another year

The Director of MEDASSET Mr. George Saipson stated “For over 30 years MEDASSET has at the core of its action the protection of sea turtles throughout the Mediterranean. By rescuing spawning beaches, you are actually saving sea turtles. This year’s decision – a milestone of the Council of Europe, for the “reopening” of the Zakynthos case is a justification of our long-term action for the protection of the Gulf of Laganas. As early as 1984, the founder of MEDASSET, Mrs. Lili Venizelou, had started working in order to save the area from human interventions and of course she would continue on the same path

for story in Greek click on source link:- https://www.imerazante.gr