Monitoring of erosion of 50 Ionian coastlines to begin at last with drones

Selection Criteria

Erosion monitoring involves capturing each coastline through aerial photography - one during the summer period and one during the winter - and comparing them until the completion of the project in 2027, in order to ascertain how the coastline has changed over time.

The selection of coastlines was based on various criteria related to the particular characteristics of each area, as well as various socio-economic criteria. Some indicative criteria include:

• The size and origin of the rocks of the coastlines under examination.
• Areas where erosion phenomena have already been observed.
• Areas where changes in climatic characteristics are observed (e.g., wind intensity and direction).
• Coastal protected areas (Natura 2000, small island wetlands, etc.).
• Areas of Potential High Flood Risk, according to approved flood risk management plans.
• Coastal areas with residential and touristic development.
• The existence of coastal projects.
• The size of the affected population.

Which coastlines in Corfu

Based on these criteria, 11 coastlines were selected in Corfu, two in Paxos, three in the Diapontia Islands, nine in Lefkada, two in Meganisi, 12 in Cephalonia, two in Ithaca, and nine in Zakynthos.

In Corfu (including Paxos and the Diapontia Islands), erosion monitoring and recording along the coast using drones will take place in the following areas: Sidari, Arillas, Agios Georgios Pagon, Glyfada, Halikounas-Issos, Agios Georgios Argyradon, Kavos, Alykes Lefkimmis/Molos, Alykes Potamos, Messonghi, Benitses, Charami-Lakka Meattie Buir’s Beach (Lakka), Erikoussa, Mathraki, northeast of the port, and Agia Triada in Othoni.

It is worth noting that in Greece, which has the longest coastline in Europe, coastal erosion may be the most significant environmental threat, as approximately 28.6% of its coastline is eroding, ranking it fourth in coastal vulnerability among EU coastal member states. Regarding the Ionian Islands Region, out of its approximately 1,056 km total coastline length, about 260 km are eroding, corresponding to 24.6% of the coastline.