The Municipality of Skopelos has decided to submit a proposal for the exemption of permanent residents of the Northern Sporades from the obligation to pay an entrance ticket to the Alonissos Northern Sporades National Marine Park. The proposal to the Ministry of Environment, the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (O.F.Y.PE.K.A.) and the competent Directorates of Environment and Rural Economy of the Region of Thessaly, includes professional and amateur fishermen as well as citizens who visit the park.
The ticket mainly concerns the A zone of the park and is a basic resource for the preservation and protection of its valuable ecosystems. At the same time, special discounts and exemptions apply to specific categories of visitors, such as:
– People with disabilities, who are completely exempt from paying the ticket.
-Coastal fishermen, who are also completely exempt from the entrance ticket.
-Young people under 12 years of age and seniors over 65 years of age, who pay a ticket with a 50% discount.
-Boats up to six meters in length, which enjoy a 50% discount on the entrance fee.
-Professional coastal fishing boats, which are exempt only if the owner is a permanent resident of Alonissos and is on board the boat.
-Permanent residents of Alonissos and their boats, who are exempt from entrance fees when the purpose of entry is private, non-professional recreation.
-Monks and employees of the Holy Monastery of Megisti Lavra, who are exempted upon presentation of a certificate from the Monastery.
The proposal of the Municipality of Skopelos requests the extension of these exemptions to permanent residents of the remaining islands of the Northern Sporades, in order to ensure equality, equity and proportionality, basic principles of the Rule of Law. This claim is based on the need for fair treatment of the residents who live and work on these islands, but also on ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources, without placing undue financial burdens on them.
The Marine Park, with the port of Skopelos as its gateway, is one of the most important protected marine areas in Greece, with strict rules for fishing, tourism and agricultural activity, as well as for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure. The proposal aims to strengthen the participation and sense of responsibility of local communities for the preservation of the ecosystem, while promoting equality and justice.
