Complaint to the European Commission: The investment “Itanos Gaia” in the Cape Iron will damage the Natura

As is already known, by presidential decree approved the Special Plan of Spatial Development Strategy Investment (ΕΣΧΑΣΕ) “Itanos Gaia” in the Kavo Sidero and the Strategic Environmental Impact assessment (SEIA) of the Specific Plan. The area location of the ΕΣΧΑΣΕ, is entirely within the protected area of the Natura 2000 network, and in particular in the Special area of Conservation (SAC) GR4320006. At the same time, a significant part of the part and in the Special Protection area (SPA) GR4320009.
We believe that with the issuance of a presidential decree, the country has infringed eu law and, more specifically, the precautionary principle and the provisions of article 6, par. 3) of Directive 92/43/EEC “on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora” and for this reason we submitted a complaint to the European Commission.
In accordance with the provisions of article 6, par. 3) of Directive 92/43/EEC, for each plan, which is not connected directly or not it is necessary for the management of an area of the Natura Network, and that can significantly affect the place, alone or together with other plans, it becomes “appropriate assessment” of the impact, taking into account the objectives of preservation of, in order for the competent national authorities to consider that the project will not harm the integrity of the site. The Directive has been interpreted by the European Court of justice on the basis of the precautionary principle.
The conservation objectives should be specific, concrete, binding and official for each protected place. Conservation measures can be considered adequate only when it is ensured that they fulfil the conservation objectives that have been set. That’s the only way, moreover, can claim a public authority, it is certain that the project will not harm what must be preserved.
For sites SAC GR4320006 and SPAS GR4320009, regions, location of the ΕΣΧΑΣΕ”Itanos Gaia”, have not yet established national targets for conservation, and have not taken the necessary measures to protect them. Therefore, the required confidence that the Project will not have harmful consequences for the integrity of those areas could not have been formulated on the basis of the Strategic Environmental Impact assessment Study carried out.
The above accepts the European Commission, which is in from 26-2-2016 a “Reasoned Opinion” to the Greek Democracy indicates that the country has not determined the manner laid down by the Directive, conservation objectives, while the definition of this is a necessary item of reference for the recognition of conservation measures. The ‘Reasoned Opinion’ constitutes the second stage of a process in which after completion can lead the country to the European Court of justice.
Our objectives are:
to stop once this vague and, by your own treatment of the areas of the Natura Network, to clarify their status and what “must be protected” to be really “protected”.
to create management plans and management bodies in all areas of the Network Natura. The substantial involvement and participation of the local communities with seriousness and responsibility, will bring the greatest benefit to these same.
The complaint shall sign the following institutions:
Ecological Intervention Of Heraklion,
Environmental Association Of Itanos,
Hellenic Ornithological Society,
Friends of Nature Naturefriends Greece,
Association for the Protection and welfare of Wildlife, ANIMA,
Environmental Association Of Rethymnon,
Speleological Club Of Crete,
The Union Of Agrotourism Of Crete
Pancretan Network of Environmental Organisations ΟΙΚΟΚΡΗΤΗ
oikokriti@gmail.com,
www.oikokriti.gr