GOING HYBRID: THE CONSULTATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES OF THE NATURA 2000 NETOWRK SITES CONTINUES FOR CRETE AND THE PELOPONNESE

On 24 January and 7 February 2022, Sympraxis Team realised two very successful consultation workshops on the proposals of the Special Environmental Studies (SES) / Management Plans (MP) for the Natura 2000 Network sites in Crete and the Peloponnese. The workshops took place on behalf of two important Greek consulting firms, OikoM Environmental Studies Ltd, the Contractor Company for the Studies for the Natura 2000 Network Sites of the Regions of Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi of Crete, and NERCO – N. CHLYKAS & ASSOCIATES SA, the Contractor Company for the Studies for the Natura 2000 Network Sites of the Regions of Messinia and Laconia (part). For maximum safety against Covid-19 for all involved, the hybrid implementation form was chosen, which included the physical presence of a limited number of attendees in studios with excellent audio and video specifications, the remote connection of participants via the Zoom digital platform, as well as the option for the public to watch the events through live streaming via Facebook and YouTube. It is estimated that more than 450 individuals in total attended the two workshops. Through these consultations, information of the local community and stakeholders was achieved, as well as the expression of views on the relevant proposals regarding 15 Special Conservation Areas and 17 Special Protection Areas of the Natura 2000 Network in Central and Eastern Crete, as well as 8 Special Conservation Areas and 3 Special Protection Areas in Southern Peloponnese. Targeted propositions were made on issues related to the zoning and protection conditions of protected areas, with the active participation of the competent Regions, Decentralised Administrations, Municipalities from the Regional Units of Heraklion, Laconia, Lassithi, Messinia and Rethymno, local producing and other bodies, scientists and citizens. The elaboration of the Studies and Management Plans for the two areas is a part of the wider planning of the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy for the creation of a National System of Protected Areas.