The Municipality of Northern Tzoumerka, together with 29 local cultural associations and organizations, has filed an appeal with Greece’s Council of State, seeking to overturn the approval and environmental licensing of a small hydropower project planned in the region. The appeal raises serious concerns over the potential environmental and cultural impact of the project, particularly on the Kalarytikos River and the broader ecosystem it supports.
A River Rich in Natural and Cultural Heritage
The Kalaritikos, a key tributary of the Arachthos River, flows through an area rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, including the historic Kipina Monastery and the traditional villages of Kalarrytes and Syrrako. The groups warn that the proposed hydropower facility poses a direct threat to the fragile balance that has made Northern Tzoumerka not only a top travel destination but also a vital source of income for the dwindling number of residents who still live and work in the area.
Environmental Impact Study Under Scrutiny
In their statement, the appellants argue that the anticipated environmental damage far outweighs the minimal energy gains such a small-scale project might bring. They specifically question the adequacy and thoroughness of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) that led to the project’s approval.
Support for Renewables—But Not at Any Cost
While the local stakeholders acknowledge the importance of renewable energy, they insist that it must not come at the expense of local communities and their natural surroundings. “We are not opposed to clean energy,” they state, “but it must be pursued under conditions that respect both people and nature.”
Key Concerns Raised by the Community
– River Disruption: The potential disruption of the Kalarytikos River, a lifeline for the region and a symbol of its natural beauty.
– Heritage at Risk: The threat to the Byzantine-era Kipina Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff and closely tied to the river’s presence and the lush vegetation it sustains.
– Endangered Species: The risk to the native Kalarytikos wild trout, a species already facing extinction.
– Ecosystem Damage: The broader impact on local flora and fauna, which thrive in this protected and relatively undisturbed ecosystem.
– Tourism Setback: The potential undermining of sustainable tourism, which has seen a gradual rise in recent years, helping to keep the area economically viable and even prompting the return of former residents.
