92003E0940

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0940/03

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(26 March 2003)

Subject: Construction of a hotel complex on the islet of Alata and environmental consequences

Local municipalities, environmental organisations and the Technical Chamber of Commerce of Magnesia have expressed alarm at the environmental damage likely to be caused by the tourist development of the small island of Alata in the Pagasitikos Gulf.

Given that:

- Agenda 21 considers small islands sensitive and fragile ecosystems where strict environmental protection measures are necessary and only sustainable development is permissible;

- A small island of 50 hectares clearly cannot accommodate a 1 000-bed hotel and a whole complex of facilities covering 33 000 square metres without suffering serious environmental consequences and damage to the landscape;

- The small island in question is designated a natural protection area in the special regional planning study for Pilion and the Northern Sporades;

- Water supplies for the complex are problematical, given the shortage of local resources;

- The collection of waste and traffic and the parking of lorries, tourist buses and private cars on the mainland opposite the island pose serious problems;

Will the Commission say whether it considers that the investment in question contributes to the sustainable tourist development of the region and is compatible with Recommendation 2002/413/EC(1) of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe?

(1) OJ L 148, 6.6.2002, p. 24.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(5 May 2003)

Recommendation 2002/413/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2002 on integrated coastal zone management in Europe contains general principles for sustainable development of Europe's coastal zones, one of which is respecting the carrying capacity of ecosystems. But the Recommendation also recognises the need for sustainable economic and employment opportunities, in which the tourism sector has an important role to play. While it is internationally recognised that small islands are particularly fragile, development projects are thus not precluded, but the acceptability of a specific local development scheme depends on the balance between environmental, social and economic aspects. Technical guidance for local carrying capacity assessment is provided in studies by the Commission and, specifically for the Mediterranean area, in the Mediterranean Action Programme(1).

As for the specific environmental impact of the construction project referred to by the Honourable Member, Council Directive 97/11/EC of 3 March 1997 amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment(2) as transposed into the Greek law requires a complete environmental impact assessment for construction of hotels of this size.

(1) See respectively http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/iczm/home.htmand http://www.pap-thecoastcentre.org/activities.html.

(2) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.