Island-bound Efforts: Aiming for Santorini's Plastic-free Shores
In an effort to revitalise its tourism sector and address environmental concerns, the Greek government has announced plans to implement a Special Urban Plan for the island of Santorini. The initiative, which is expected to be completed in about 15 months, focuses on sustainability, waste management, and reducing plastic waste.
The plan includes promoting eco-friendly construction and infrastructure, protecting natural landscapes, and encouraging renewable energy use. A key aspect of the plan is the implementation of comprehensive waste sorting and recycling systems, with the aim of minimising pollution and promoting a plastic-free Santorini.
To achieve this, it is planned to ban single-use plastics, promote alternatives, organise awareness campaigns, and improve waste collection. Additionally, a separate stream for the collection of disposable plastic bottles from cruise ships, restaurants, hotels, and other establishments is being created.
The plan also includes the construction of a waste treatment plant and a biowaste treatment plant as part of a new waste management model. This model aims to provide a final and permanent solution to the problem of garbage on the island, which has been a long-standing issue for Santorini residents.
As part of the plan, Santorini is capitalising on Greece's good track record in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. The island, which was formerly crowded with tourists, was devoid of hordes of tourists and cruise ships during the pandemic. This unexpected break provided an opportunity to reveal an undisrupted side of Santorini, and the island's residents hope to restart the tourism industry while maintaining these environmental initiatives.
The Greek Environment and Energy Ministry is preparing the Special Urban Plan in collaboration with the Municipality of Thira. The project, which has a budget of 117 million euros, also includes a plan to adapt to climate change, a plan to tackle disasters, and a plan to characterise the islands' overall local road network.
The planned electrical connection via the island of Naxos with the mainland is another part of this project. This connection will provide Santorini with more environmentally-friendly energy, further supporting the island's commitment to sustainability.
The first mass arrival of tourists after the coronavirus lockdown is expected on July 1, when Greece is also set to open its regional airports on the islands. In preparation for this, a pilot programme is being prepared to promote Santorini as a recycling model and an island without plastic waste.
For precise details on the current or planned initiatives under Santorini's Special Urban Plan targeting these aspects, it would be necessary to consult official Greek government or local municipal resources directly involved in urban planning and environmental management on Santorini. If you need, I can assist in formulating queries to official sources or suggest where such information may be published.
- The Greek government's Special Urban Plan for Santorini focuses on promoting sustainable tourism and addressing environmental concerns.
- The plan includes eco-friendly construction, protecting natural landscapes, and promoting renewable energy use.
- To reduce plastic waste, the plan aims to implement comprehensive waste sorting and recycling systems, ban single-use plastics, and improve waste collection.
- A new waste management model will include the construction of waste and biowaste treatment plants.
- Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Santorini is capitalising on the opportunity to showcase its natural beauty while maintaining environmental initiatives.
- The Greek Environment and Energy Ministry, in collaboration with the Municipality of Thira, is working on a budget of 117 million euros for the Special Urban Plan, which also includes an adaptation plan for climate change, disaster management, and an improvement of local road networks.
- The planned electrical connection via Naxos with the mainland will provide Santorini with environmentally-friendly energy, further supporting its commitment to sustainability.
- The first mass arrival of tourists after the coronavirus lockdown is expected in July, and Santorini is preparing a pilot programme to promote itself as a recycling model and plastic-free island.
