Europa Nostra and EIB Institute release report on the Cycladic Islands, Greece

Excerpt and Photo from europanostra.org

In a technical report published today, experts from Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute highlight the great threats posed by overdevelopment and tourism-driven pressures on the Cycladic Islands, notably Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros. This complex of islands was listed among the 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe for 2024, following a nomination made by Elliniki Etairia – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage.

The Cycladic Islands, renowned for their whitewashed houses, dry-stone walls, archaeological sites, and pristine natural beauty, are facing unprecedented challenges from intensive tourism, unregulated construction, and gentrification. The report, prepared by experts from Europa Nostra and the EIB Institute, stresses the urgent need for adopting sustainable planning policies to prevent irreversible damage to the islands’ exceptional and authentic character.

The technical report details the detrimental impact of mass tourism, the proliferation of secondary residences, and the strain on local resources, particularly water and waste management systems. It provides a set of key recommendations, including stricter regulations on construction, sustainable tourism development, improved spatial planning, and greater collaboration between local authorities and civil society to safeguard the islands’ future.