12/02/2018

A new starting point for the protection of nature in Greece

mia-kainourgia-afethria-gia-thn-prostasia-ths-fyshs-sthn-ellada-PRL_2018Feb9_NomosFDPP_ReactionN.jpg

The adoption of the bill on protected areas is an important milestone for the protection of the nature of the country, stressed by environmental organizations. What matters now is the way it is implemented, which will also determine its effectiveness.

From this day, Greece has a new framework for the management of its protected areas, as mentioned by the environmental organizations Arcturos, ARCHELON, MedSOS, Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (eepf), Hellenic Ornithological Society, Prespa Preservation Society, Callisto, Ecological Recycling Company (ecorec), ΑΝΙΜΑ, MEDASSET, MOm and WWF Hellas. By law "Protected Areas Management Entities and Other Provisions" adopted yesterday by the majority of the Parliament, a big pending about the architecture and structure of the national system of protected areas of the country seems at least formally to be settled.

Placements of speakers and party speakers, the remarks of Members and the changes brought by the Ministry of the Environment itself have improved the bill. Consequently, the 36 management bodies created will be called upon to play an active role in the design and effective management of their areas of responsibility while the Ministry of Environment explicitly takes over the central role of supporting and coordinating the national system of protected areas, but also of the Nature Committee 2000, and of ensuring the necessary resources (human and financial).

mia-kainourgia-afethria-gia-thn-prostasia-ths-fyshs-sthn-ellada-protected_areas.jpg

There is doubt as to whether improvements really ensure the management of protected areas, which have not been designated as Natura 2000 sites, since provisions that set out their alternative management schemes are abolished.

Finally, the fact that the same law attempting to set new fundamentals for nature protection, causes at the same time weakening of the protective provisions for forests and woodlands in protected areas, by legalizing illegal ski resorts, camping, and even excavating forests by defending the farm and paving the way for infrastructure projects in forest areas of particular ecological interest.

Environmental organizations point out that with the bill being passed, the country is entering a new period to protect biodiversity. It is mainly at the discretion of the Ministry of the Environment to demonstrate that it wants the new system to work effectively, and that all the actors involved should use this new tool. Environmental organizations highlight that they will continue to contribute to making the National Protected Area system operational at some point, and the protection of nature is effective.

See the organizations' placements on the bill:

Against the consultation process (November 2017): http://www.wwf.gr/news/2034-thetika-stoixeia-alla-kai-provlimatismos-gia-to-nomosxedio-tou-ypen

On the announcement of the draft law (19th of January 2018): http://www.wwf.gr/news/2054-thetika-stoixeia-alla-kai-entoni-anisyxia-gia-tis-prostatevomenes-perioxes

In the process of processing in the Production and Commerce Committee (25th of January 2018): http://www.wwf.gr/images/pdfs/2018Jan25_Nomos_FDPP_NGOs.pdf

More information:

Spyros Psaroudas, General Coordinator - Director Callisto, 2310-252530, line. 3 Panos Stefanou, Contact person, Arcturos, 6977 415873 Konstantina Demiri, Environmental Policy Officer, Hellenic Ornithological Society, 210 822 8704 Angela Klauschen, Director, MEDASSET, 210-3640389 Ioli Christopoulou, Environmental Policy Officer, WWF Greece, 210-3314893

(translation: Savvas Stylianakis)

RECENT NEWS

  1. OUR NEWS
    22/05/2025

    Sea turtle nesting has begun in Greece: learn what to look out for!

    The first nests for 2025 have already been located and protected at Laganas beach in Zakynthos, Elaia beach in Kyparissia Bay and Pachia Ammos beach in Messara Bay in Crete!

    Read more
  2. OUR NEWS
    16/05/2025

    Advancing sea turtle photo-ID research with artificial intelligence

    Sea turtle facial scales remain stable throughout a turtle’s life allowing researchers to recognise individuals from photos, often taken over decades!

    Read more
  3. OUR NEWS
    15/05/2025

    Kyparissia Bay: Balancing Nature and Tourism

    Αs the popularity of the protected area increases and pressures from tourism and climate change intensify, the question that arises is: How many people can this beach “bear” without degrading the environment?

    Read more
  4. OUR NEWS
    07/05/2025

    Discover the secret nature of Crete: Sea Turtle Beach Walk with ARCHELON

    Live a unique ecotourism experience in Crete by participating in ARCHELON Sea Turtle Beach Walks on the nesting beaches of the Loggerhead, starting on May 15th in Chania and Rethymno. Now open for reservations on our website!

    Read more
  5. OUR NEWS
    24/04/2025

    Are You Over 50? The Sea Turtles Need You!

    If you’re 50 or older and ready to dive into a unique conservation experience, we warmly invite you to join us. Help protect sea turtles, meet like-minded people, and discover the natural beauty of Greece with ARCHELON by your side.

    Read more
  6. OUR NEWS
    22/04/2025

    Turning the Tide: Sea Turtle Populations Show Signs of Recovery Worldwide

    The first, after a decade, global study brings encouraging news for sea turtle conservation: more than half of their populations across the globe show signs of recovery. Listed among the authors is the Research Coordinator of ARCHELON, Aliki Panagopoulou PhD, who is mobilizing the long term field work of our Society on the nesting beaches of Greece.

    Read more
  7. OUR NEWS
    17/04/2025

    Special 2-week volunteering opportunity on the nesting beaches – we need you this May and June!

    Read more
  8. OUR NEWS
    14/04/2025

    Groundbreaking Study on Microplastic Pollution of Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches

    ARCHELON took part in a recent global study that has uncovered alarming levels of microplastic contamination on marine turtle nesting beaches around the world.

    Read more
  9. OUR NEWS
    09/04/2025

    Become a Sea Turtle Guardian in Lakonikos Bay

    Gracie and Claire, two dedicated individuals who made a significant impact on the sea turtle project of Lakonikos Bay in 2024, talked about their experience.

    Read more
  10. OUR NEWS
    08/04/2025

    Meeting of organizations, authorities and businessmen in Rethymno: Crete is preparing for the arrival of the turtles!

    On Monday, April 7, we met for another year in the hospitable city of Rethymno to participate in the meeting organized by the Regional Unit of Rethymno on the topic of management measures for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle!

    Read more
  11. OUR NEWS
    31/03/2025

    150 satellite tags for the protection of sea turtles

    Since 2002, ARCHELON and its partners have placed 150 satellite and GSM tags on sea turtles monitoring their vast journeys across the Mediterranean!

    Read more
  12. OUR NEWS
    24/03/2025

    Become a Guardian of the Night: Volunteer with ARCHELON

    On some select beaches, volunteer duties also include night patrols. During the hours when the presence of people on the nesting beaches is prohibited so as not to disturb the turtles, our trained volunteers start their shift, equipped with measuring instruments, research notebooks and red flashlights.

    Read more
  13. OUR NEWS
    14/03/2025

    Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles

    A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.

    Read more
  14. OUR NEWS
    24/02/2025

    ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly

    According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

    Read more
  15. OUR NEWS
    20/02/2025

    From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!

    A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.

    Read more
1 out of 0
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Learn about our latest actions and find out about our programs and how you can help sea turtles!