A major teleconference with officials from Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy focused on the long-standing issue of the 60-meter coastal construction restriction in Kalymnos, as local authorities called for amendments to the current framework and equal treatment with the rest of the country.
The discussion centered on Local Urban Planning Schemes and, more specifically, on building limitations affecting coastal areas of Kalymnos. The meeting included Secretary General for Spatial Planning and Urban Environment Efthymios Bakogiannis and ministry officials, alongside representatives of the planning contractor company.
Representatives from the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) in Kalymnos and members of the Local Urban Planning Committee also participated, stressing that the Presidential Decree of 1980 creates significant inequalities and development barriers for the island.
During the teleconference, participants emphasized that the blanket prohibition on construction within 60 meters of the shoreline fails to take into account Kalymnos’ unique geomorphology, historical settlement patterns, and local development needs. They therefore requested amendments to the current legislation and alignment with regulations applied in the rest of Greece.
According to the Kalymnos Regional Office, the Ministry’s response was positive, with developments expected in the near future. Thanks were also extended to Deputy Minister Athanasios Tagaras, ministry officials, and MP Manos Konsolas for supporting the initiative.
The Kalymnos Regional Authority stated that it will continue to closely monitor the issue in cooperation with local stakeholders and competent authorities, aiming to secure a fair and sustainable solution for the island and its residents.
