A surge in tourism development and rampant construction is posing a risk to the Greek islands of Sifnos, Serifos, and Folegandros, which have been included on Europe’s seven most endangered sites list, announced Europa Nostra on Wednesday.
The three islands in the Cyclades complex had been shortlisted in February for Europa Nostra’s “7 Most Endangered program” 2024, a civil society action launched in 2013 to safeguard Europe’s heritage.
The islands were nominated by Elliniki Etairia – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET) in agreement with the island mayors.
In an earlier interview to To Vima, ELLET President Stathis Potamitis said the nomination of the three islands was a “first step” towards raising much-needed awareness to the challenge that affects many other parts of Greece.
In its statement, Europa Nostra said the listing highlighted the pressing challenges facing the Cyclades due to escalating tourism and unchecked construction. Despite driving economic growth, these factors have precipitated environmental degradation, cultural and natural heritage damage, water scarcity, waste management issues, and socio-economic disparities.
This year’s 7 most endangered heritage sites in Europe are: Working-class Housing in Roubaix-Tourcoing, France; the Cycladic Islands (Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros), Greece; the Church of San Pietro in Gessate, Milan and the Synagogue of Siena, Italy; the Home of the Yugoslav People’s Army in Sabac, Serbia; the Greek Orthodox Church of St Georgios and the Iron Gate of Antioch, Turkey.
Source: tovima.com
Latest News
Athens’ Public Transport System Gets Green “Facelift”
The future of urban transport in Greece's capital city includes electrification, hydrogen, kinetic energy and even heighted security and monitoring through the use of drones
Athens Int’l Airport: 16.2% EBITDA Increase and 16.5% Passenger Growth in Q1 2024
Following the strong performance in the first quarter, the company revised its annual passenger traffic forecast for 2024 to 29.9 million passengers, a 6.3% increase (or roughly 1.8 million passengers) from 2023 levels.
Oxford Economics Report: Greek Economy is Just Below Risk Zone
However, the report points to a persistent challenge in the form of commercial credit risk, which remains high at 8 out of 10, ranking Greece 104th internationally
Deadline for Postal Vote Registration Expires on Mon.
More than 157,000 Greek citizens had registered on the relevant online platform so far
Orthodox Palm Sunday Today; Shops Open in Greater Athens-Piraeus Area
Orthodox Holy Week begins on Monday, April 29, and ends on Sunday, Easter Sunday or Great and Holy Pascha (May 5)
Greek Retailers Remain Optimistic About Easter Shoppers’ Turnout
While stores are expected to be open on Sunday, April 28, the majority of Easter shoppers will likely do their shopping during the Holy Week, following the deposit of Easter bonuses
Europeche: Greek Apricot Production Recovers
Europeche forecasts the production will bounce back despite a slight decrease in varieties attributed to high winter temperatures
Bank of Greece (BoG): Business-Household Deposits Up 1,675bln in March 2024
In March 2024, the monthly net flow of credit to the general government was negative by 469 million euros
FT: Greece’s Economic Rebound a Balance of Growth and Poverty
Eurostat data revealed a significant 10.8% drop in Greek public debt relative to GDP in 2023, alongside a 2% economic expansion, outpacing Germany's performance.
Lavrio Port Authority Next Up for Privatization
A deadline for the submission of expressions of interest is May 14, 2024