The local government on the island of Milos is calling for the environmental protection of the destination following controversy surrounding the construction of a 5-star hotel near Sarakiniko beach.
In an official letter to the Ministries of Environment and Energy, Interior, Tourism, Development, National Economy and Finance, and Maritime Affairs, the Municipality of Milos is urging the approval of the Spatial and Residential Planning Framework for Open Cities, initially drawn up in 2020.
The request is supported by the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE). Milos Mayor, Manolis Mikelis, explained that the framework, which designates the coastal zone at Sarakiniko as a Special Protection Area, was approved by the island’s municipal council but rejected by the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
The issue gained prominence following the recent start of construction work for a 5-star hotel at Sarakiniko Beach. However, all construction has been suspended pending further decisions from relevant public agencies.
Protecting Milos’ natural beauty
The framework outlines the environmental protection of six locations on Milos, including Sarakiniko, as well as Kleftiko, Papafrangas, Akrotiri Vani, Rivari, Patrikia, and Kastanas. Mayor Mikelis has requested that these locations be designated as areas “of special natural beauty.”
Furthermore, the mayor is advocating for stricter protection measures for the Ahivadolimni, Provatas, Rivari, and Alykes natural reserves on the island.
Proposed measures
The Municipality of Milos has proposed several actions, including:
– Approval of the Spatial and Residential Planning Framework for Open Cities.
– Enactment of the Special Spatial Plan for Milos, incorporating the framework’s provisions.
– Restoration of Sarakiniko Beach, in line with the EU Regulation for the restoration of nature (August 18, 2024).
– Suspension and review of construction permits in the protection zones until the Special Spatial Plan is approved.
– Government audit of investments and interventions within the Natura-protected zones on the western part of the island.
Safeguarding sustainability
The planned 5-star hotel at Sarakiniko Beach is designed to have 300 rooms. Mayor Mikelis highlighted that such large developments often start with smaller-scale construction permits, only for developers to later request expansions. He noted that local communities must consider what is sustainable and suitable for the long-term preservation of the islands.
Regarding the Sarakiniko hotel’s construction permits, the mayor clarified that the municipality was unaware of the 2,974 square-meter permit, as the local city planning office had only referred to construction allowances, while the permits were issued by other departments.
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