The tip of the iceberg
The sprawl of loungers on Greece’s beaches is the tip of the iceberg. Taking over beaches with bars and umbrellas is the extension of widespread real estate construction all along the coastline, despite it being strictly prohibited.
Disregard for the environment and public space has always been rampant and is now growing out of all proportion. Little has been done over the past several decades to protect villages, islands, urban and rural landscapes, the seas, the forests and the coasts from violations. Even archaeological and historic sites have fallen by the wayside.
We need education about the importance of protecting the environment, starting at school
The political system not only tolerates but has even encouraged such lawlessness with things like amnesties for illegal construction. Society is also to blame, as the majority of citizens couldn’t care less about the environment and have no compunction about adding to the chaos. Meanwhile, the state – admittedly with huge shortages in resources – is a bystander who moves only to appease public sentiment.
Until the kind of smart technology Minister of State Akis Skertsos recently spoke about kicks in to help tackle unlicensed construction, we need immediate, effective measures. At the very least, a system that clears up the mess of overlapping jurisdictions so that state services can carry out the law. Most importantly, though, we need education about the importance of protecting the environment, starting at school – classes to teach kids to truly love their country and to look after it. Last but not least, those violating protection laws must be punished, and severely.
The government has a lot of leeway following its big election victory to implement solutions. Its voters expect it to; and now. The justice system for its part needs to stop prevaricating and act decisively.
