Koufonisia ban all water recreational activities

Port authorities have imposed a ban on all water recreational activities except for swimming on Koufonisia islands, part of the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea.

The ban is reportedly in the interest of public safety and preservation of the two eastern Cyclades islets.

The ban announced by Rear Admiral Alexios Apostolopoulos, the Naxos harbor master, concerns the use of both motorized and non-motorized activity around Ano and Kato Koufonisi.

The measure comes in response to the unique characteristics of the two islands, as well as their limited coastline, which has been experiencing an increase in traffic from passenger vessels, ships, and recreational boats operating in the region, daily kathimerini reported.

As stated in the relevant decision, “the use of marine recreational equipment on the island of Koufonisi violates the provisions “On the protection of Antiquities and in general the Cultural Heritage of the Country.”

Furthermore, the decision is reportedly in line with earlier decisions of the Koufonisi Municipal Community Council, according to which the beaches of the island will not be organized and no spaces will be allocated on them for exploitation, whether it is for the rental of umbrellas and seats or for the rental of marine recreational equipment. The aim was and remains to keep the character and physiognomy of the island unchanged.

The decision was prompted by the recognition that the use of recreational water vehicles poses a heightened risk of accidents, especially considering that these vehicles are allowed to operate at a considerable distance from the shoreline.

Moreover, it stands in contradiction with the provisions set forth to protect antiquities and cultural heritage. Notably, Kato Koufonisi has been designated as an “A Zone,” granting it absolute protection throughout its entire area.

PS finally local authorities slowly to start waking up! See also citizens movement “Free the Beaches” on Paros and Naxos!