Port authorities have taken a decisive step to ensure public safety and preserve the natural beauty of the Koufonisia islands in the Cyclades by imposing a comprehensive ban on all water recreational activities, with the exception of swimming.
The ban, declared by Rear Admiral Alexios Apostolopoulos, Naxos harbour master, specifically targets both motorised and non-motorised water activities around Ano and Kato Koufonisi.
The move comes as a response to the islands’ unique characteristics and limited coastline, which have experienced an influx of passenger vessels, ships, and recreational boats.
In accordance with the relevant decision, the use of marine recreational equipment on Koufonisi is considered a violation of the provisions safeguarding Antiquities and the Cultural Heritage of the Country.
The ban aligns with the previous decisions made by the Koufonisi Municipal Community Council, which aimed to maintain the island’s pristine and unspoiled allure.
As part of this initiative, the island’s beaches will remain unorganised, and no areas will be allocated for the exploitation of umbrellas, seats, or marine recreational equipment rentals.
The primary concern behind this measure is the heightened risk of accidents posed by recreational water vehicles, particularly due to their allowance to operate at significant distances from the shoreline. Additionally, the ban is in direct accordance with the preservation regulations, granting Kato Koufonisi an “A Zone” status, affording it absolute protection throughout its entire area.
This decisive action by the local authorities demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of preserving Greece’s natural and cultural heritage.
It joins the efforts of the “Free the Beaches” citizens’ movement on Paros and Naxos, signaling a collective commitment to safeguarding the country’s precious islands and coastlines.
