Othoni and Mathraki say “No” to drilling in Block 2

The cultural associations of Othoni and Mathraki are seeking to build opposition to the planned “Asopos-1A” exploratory drilling operation in Block 2 of the northwestern Ionian Sea, calling on the Regional Authority and municipalities of the Ionian Islands to formally oppose the project.

In a joint resolution, the Othoni Cultural Society and the Mathraki Cultural, Developmental and Environmental Association state that they oppose both the exploratory drilling operation and the prospect of future hydrocarbon exploitation in the area.

The intervention comes as the environmental permitting process is under way. The Ionian Islands Regional Authority has received the Environmental Impact Assessment dossier for its opinion, while the public consultation process concludes on 23 September. The drilling operation is planned for 2027, subject to completion of the required permits and approvals.

The two associations focus on the proximity of the Diapontia Islands and the potential impacts on the marine environment, tourism and fisheries. In particular, they are calling for the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on the Natura protected areas of the Diapontia Islands to be assessed, as well as the consequences of a potential accident or marine pollution incident.

The resolution also revisits the issue of the beaked whale strandings recorded in 2022, during the period of seismic surveys. The associations clarify that they do not consider an automatic causal link between the two events to be scientifically substantiated, but argue that the incident should nevertheless be taken into account in the environmental assessment.

They also place particular emphasis on the economic dimension. They argue that, alongside the anticipated benefits of hydrocarbons, the potential cost to tourism, fisheries and the small island economies as a whole must be assessed, while rejecting the notion that “compensation measures” can provide an adequate response to environmental risks.

The resolution is now addressed directly to local government. The associations are calling on the Ionian Islands Regional Authority to issue a negative opinion, on the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands to adopt a relevant Municipal Council decision, and on all the municipalities of the Ionian Islands to form, as they put it, a “united front for the protection of the Ionian Sea”.

“The Diapontia Islands are not asking for compensation in exchange for giving up their sea. They are asking not to lose it,” the joint resolution concludes.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS