Five Greek islands among European cultural heritage sites under threat

Europa Nostra – the European voice of civil society dedicated to cultural and natural heritage and its partner, the European Investment Bank Institute – announced the 12 most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe selected for Program 7 Under Threat (7 MOS ENDANGERED) of 2021, int.ert.gr reports.

The choice was made based on the exceptional importance of the respective heritage and the cultural value of each of the places as well as the serious danger they face. The level of involvement of local communities and the commitment of public and private actors to the rescue of these sites were considered a significant added value. Another selection criterion was the ability of these places to act as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development not only of themselves but also of their wider areas.

The selection of the 12 threatened cultural heritage sites was made by an international Advisory Group, consisting of scientists and experts in history, archeology, architecture, conservation, project analysis, and funding. The final list of the 7 most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe for 2021 will be announced in March.

The five Islands – Amorgos, Kimolos, Kythira, Sikinos, and Tinos – are located spatially in the Southern part of the Aegean Sea, while the four of them (Amorgos, Kimolos, Sikinos, and Tinos) are part of the Cyclades archipelago. All five are characterized by the “Cycladic landscape”, which gives them high cultural and environmental value. The harmonious coexistence of the Aegean Sea, with the hills, the mountains, the traditional settlements, the monuments, and the archeological sites, create an emblematic landscape, which is a vital part of the Greek and consequently of the European identity.

This multispectral landscape is now in serious danger, as the Greek government encourages its conversion into an industrial zone with wind farms. The plan is to install wind turbines at various locations on each island, often next to archeological sites, Natura 2000 protected areas, and as a backdrop to traditional villages.

The proposed wind turbines far exceed the real energy needs of the islands and will provide energy to other areas of Greece. Wind turbines will not only visually affect the landscape of the islands but will have an impact on their morphological and climatic elements, endangering both their flora and fauna, as well as the sectors of agriculture, livestock, and tourism. Undoubtedly, this will reduce the environmental and cultural value of the landscape and endanger the survival of local communities.

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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Eric Gaba