Natura Areas Protection Association in favour of concession of land in Dassia rather than money
Dassia
26 Nov 2020
/ 13:08
CORFU. "Let΄s not destroy what has remained of the island΄s long-suffering environment in the name of temporary and doubtful profits!" the Association says in its statement regarding the Ikos investment in the former Club Med land.
The Natura Areas Protection Association issued a statement prompted by the current discussion about the Ikos investment in the former Club Med land in Dassia.
"Yet another area in Corfu is at the forefront of discussion and controversy due to its 'exploitation' by Ikos.
The issue at hand is the former Club Med land in Dassia and the concession from the company of either a piece of land or money as provided for in the planning legislation - so, 70 stremma or 2.5m Euros?
Central Corfu Municipal Council decided on the second option by a majority vote - it preferred to receive money than land. In a meeting that took place online without the possibility of allowing citizens to be informed and without the presence of interested parties, except for the President of Kato Korakiana Local Council, who presented the decisions of its two general assemblies which were against the option of a financial concession.
The wider Dassia area is an oversaturated tourist area with large and small properties and accommodation. What was once a lush green area has now been filled with tons of concrete.
The answer to the dilemma - money which will be spent in little time or land that will provide a green 'lung' and a breath of life for today's and tomorrow's residents - is a no brainer.
In the interests of the area, sustainable development and conservation of its natural wealth, the choice must be that of the 70 stremma. Even as a safeguard for the public areas and access to the beach, which is in danger of being closed off.
And of course there must be no talk of the land being used by the Municipality. This was not the intention of the legislation. The aim was to provide a counterbalance to the construction, a free and 'unexploited' zone.
Besides, this case unfortunately highlights clearly the lack of a long-term land planning strategy for the sustainable development of Corfu with binding strategical goals for the future and regulations and limits for every kind of investment.
Based on all the above, the South Corfu Natura Areas Protection Association, whose aim is the protection of areas and natural ecosystems in South Corfu and the whole of Corfu, would like to express its support for the plea from Kato Korakiana Local Council and calls on the Ionian Islands Regional Governor, who has the final word (!) on the matter, to listen to the deep concern of the local community and, guided by the long-term interests of the area, consider the need for sustainability and protection of the few natural resources that remain in Dassia and not accept the majority decision of Central Corfu Municipal Council.
We believe that the matter is serious and critical and must be brought for discussion at a Regional Council meeting so that all arguments and views can be presented democratically and a collective not one-sided decision can be arrived at.
In conclusion, for the proponents of 'investment' and 'development', we are not against investments, whether they be public or private. Tourism and the environment can and should coexist, as is indicated by the contemporary trend of sustainable tourism.
Development does not mean investing in cement, it does not mean destroying areas for short-term profit and it does not mean creating areas that are inaccessible to the local population. Development means investing in natural and cultural wealth in order to increase it and to protect and promote it, creating sustainable and dignified work and to leave this wealth as a legacy for future generations.
Let΄s not destroy what has remained of the island΄s long-suffering environment in the name of temporary and doubtful profits!"
"Yet another area in Corfu is at the forefront of discussion and controversy due to its 'exploitation' by Ikos.
The issue at hand is the former Club Med land in Dassia and the concession from the company of either a piece of land or money as provided for in the planning legislation - so, 70 stremma or 2.5m Euros?
Central Corfu Municipal Council decided on the second option by a majority vote - it preferred to receive money than land. In a meeting that took place online without the possibility of allowing citizens to be informed and without the presence of interested parties, except for the President of Kato Korakiana Local Council, who presented the decisions of its two general assemblies which were against the option of a financial concession.
The wider Dassia area is an oversaturated tourist area with large and small properties and accommodation. What was once a lush green area has now been filled with tons of concrete.
The answer to the dilemma - money which will be spent in little time or land that will provide a green 'lung' and a breath of life for today's and tomorrow's residents - is a no brainer.
In the interests of the area, sustainable development and conservation of its natural wealth, the choice must be that of the 70 stremma. Even as a safeguard for the public areas and access to the beach, which is in danger of being closed off.
And of course there must be no talk of the land being used by the Municipality. This was not the intention of the legislation. The aim was to provide a counterbalance to the construction, a free and 'unexploited' zone.
Besides, this case unfortunately highlights clearly the lack of a long-term land planning strategy for the sustainable development of Corfu with binding strategical goals for the future and regulations and limits for every kind of investment.
Based on all the above, the South Corfu Natura Areas Protection Association, whose aim is the protection of areas and natural ecosystems in South Corfu and the whole of Corfu, would like to express its support for the plea from Kato Korakiana Local Council and calls on the Ionian Islands Regional Governor, who has the final word (!) on the matter, to listen to the deep concern of the local community and, guided by the long-term interests of the area, consider the need for sustainability and protection of the few natural resources that remain in Dassia and not accept the majority decision of Central Corfu Municipal Council.
We believe that the matter is serious and critical and must be brought for discussion at a Regional Council meeting so that all arguments and views can be presented democratically and a collective not one-sided decision can be arrived at.
In conclusion, for the proponents of 'investment' and 'development', we are not against investments, whether they be public or private. Tourism and the environment can and should coexist, as is indicated by the contemporary trend of sustainable tourism.
Development does not mean investing in cement, it does not mean destroying areas for short-term profit and it does not mean creating areas that are inaccessible to the local population. Development means investing in natural and cultural wealth in order to increase it and to protect and promote it, creating sustainable and dignified work and to leave this wealth as a legacy for future generations.
Let΄s not destroy what has remained of the island΄s long-suffering environment in the name of temporary and doubtful profits!"
