WWF battles Olympic facilities in Greek wetland

Posted on March, 28 2000

WWF, the conservation organization, today urged the Greek government to reconsider its intention to build facilities for the Athens 2004 Olympics at Schinias, one of southern Greece's most significant coastal wetland habitat. The site hosts a rich variety of bird species, a locally endemic species of fish, one of the three remaining stone pine forests in the country, and other rare plants.

Athens, Greece - WWF, the conservation organization, today urged the Greek government to reconsider its intention to build facilities for the Athens 2004 Olympics at Schinias, one of southern Greece's most significant coastal wetland habitat. The site hosts a rich variety of bird species, a locally endemic species of fish, one of the three remaining stone pine forests in the country, and other rare plants.

In an attempt to overcome persistent opposition from WWF and three other conservation NGOs, supported by various citizens groups, the government is about to designate Schinias a national park. At the same time, it is to construct the Olympic rowing and canoeing facilities within it.

According to the Presidential Decree, the Olympic facilities - with a capacity of 10,000 people - will cover a significant part of the wetland. This will necessitate major construction and hydraulic works. In addition, insecticides will be sprayed in the area for public health reasons, and a bus parking area created inside the bounds of the stone pine forest.

"We are urging the Greek government to reconsider its position," said Demetres Karavellas, CEO of WWF Greece. "A protected area is certainly needed in Schinias, but there is no sound rationale for building Olympic facilities within it."

Despite long efforts by WWF and other major Greek conservation NGOs, Schinias has never been afforded a protected status. After Greece was awarded the 2004 Olympics, the Greek government omitted to include the site on the Natura 2000 national list (in accordance with the EU Habitat Directive), although it was on the scientific list.

The Presidential Decree for the establishment of the national park has now been submitted to the Council of State (CoS) for comments. An ad hoc committee supervised by the President of the CoS will examine it.

In the meantime, WWF and the other NGOs opposed to the project have proposed alternative sites for the rowing centre. But to date, these have not been considered by the government. In order to save Schinias' rich biodiversity, the NGOs are planning to contest the Presidential Decree at the Council of State.

For further information:

Ms Theodota Nantsou, tel: +30 1 331 4893, email: t.nantsou@wwf.gr

Ms Alexandra Chaini, tel: +30 1 331 4893, email: a.chaini@wwf.gr