Disposal site threatens nesting beach

Sekania beach, the most important nesting site on the island which belongs to WWF since 1994, is at risk.

The beach with the highest nesting density in the world is threatened by a waste disposal site, according to the three pressure groups that fight for the protection of the loggerhead turtle in Greece.

Last May three environmental organizations (MEDASSET, WWF, ARCHELON), and members of the local community of Zakynthos sent a public letter to the Minister of Environment asking for the imminent implementation of the greek law according to which the operation of the waste disposal site within the borders of the National Marine Park is forbidden.

The disposal site is in full operation for the past three years and the environmentalists worry about the serious disturbance of the ecosystem, since the plant is malfunctioning and it is leaking chemicals into Laganas bay.

There are also rumors among the residents that the recent earthquakes on the island have caused cracks on the hill and with the first rainfall, new streams are going to be created and transfer more rubbish to Laganas protected area.

Mrs Venizelou, the President of Medasset claims that the rubbish have already overflowed last autumn and polluted the sea of Laganas bay and specifically the waters of Sekania beach.

The President of the National Marine Park was accused late this spring for signing an agreement with the local authorities for the extension of the Disposal Site.

However she explained why she did that:

“As a biologist, all I wanted was to ensure that the disposal site operates properly either it is situated within the National Marine Park or not”.

Minister of Environment on a special visit to Zakynthos Island in early of June announced that the operation of the disposal site will stop.

But Mrs Venizelou is not yet satisfied:
“He promised that the plant will stop to operate but he didn’t suggest any solutions. For example, where is going the disposal site to operate, what are the residents do with the rubbish etc”