“Protection of our environment and national sovereignty requires substance and not communication”
Government’s announcements for the institutionalization of two marine parks They commented in their joint statement by three members of his PASOK-Change.
M. Christodoulakis, responsible KTE Environment, D. Mantzos Responsible KTE Foreign and Fr.Environmental protection should not be exhausted in announcements, nor communicatively tool. Acts, a clear timetable and political will are required. Protecting our environment and national sovereignty requires substance and not communication. “
They point out that the completion of the Special Environmental Studies (EPMs) for the establishment of two marine parks in the Ionian Sea and the central Aegean is a positive first step towards achieving the country’s and EU goals to protect and maintain our seas, resources and economic activity.
“PASOK recognizes the progress that has been made, but recalls that the institutionalization of marine parks must be completed immediately, with the approval of the NSS and the issuance of the relevant presidential decrees, in order to ensure the application of specific and binding rules of management, protection and uses.” They add that similar initiatives for the establishment of new marine parks must be made with complete transparency, scientific documentation, substantial consultation and evidence of environmental criteria.
At the same time, they recall the government’s timeless delay in fulfilling an equally critical obligation: The completion and approval of the ESMs for the land protected areas and the corresponding institutionalization through presidential decrees. This delay is not only the prime minister’s political promise, but also a violation of our European obligations.
“Environmental policy cannot be fragmented or selective. It must be governed by a holistic strategy, with a clear institutional framework and universal application of the rules, “said Christodoulakis, Mantzos and Dimopoulos.
Finally, in terms of Turkey’s illegal and reviewing objectionsthey emphasize that it is self -evident that Greece must always respond immediately, with determination and commitment to international sea law, to defend its national sovereign rights.
“PASOK will continue to closely monitor developments, intervene responsibly and claim an environmental policy with continuity, consistency and vision for the future. A policy that not only serves ecological balance and sustainable development, but also strengthens the country’s international position, promoting Greece as an example of environmental responsibility, respect for international law and peaceful coexistence in the context of European and Mediterranean cooperation, “they said in the statement.