The Municipality of Sikinos approved the formulation of a spatial organization proposal and the formulation of comments in the public consultation of the Local Urban Plan under preparation. The discussion took place in the presence of Mayor Vasilios Marakis, who referred to the physiognomy of the island and the need to protect its environment and cultural identity.
During his presentation, the mayor pointed out that Sikinos has chosen a different development model, mild, sustainable and controlled, which respects both the residents and the natural environment. As he stated, the aim is to preserve the character of the island, its morphology and identity unchanged, in order to hand it down to future generations “authentic and unique”.
In the context of the decision, the Municipal Council opposed the creation of swimming pools and any form of artificial water features, both in the settlements and in the rest of the island. This position was linked to the need to protect water, which was characterized as a “public good under constant and increasing threat”. It was also mentioned that water price increases of up to 700% have been observed on neighboring islands.
In addition, the Municipal Council decided to keep the beaches free and clean, without concessions for umbrellas, noting that this option has received a positive evaluation by the Ministry.
In the same decision, it was emphasized that the implementation of large or strategic investments is not sought, which, as mentioned, could alter the environment and the physiognomy of the island. On the contrary, the development of small tourist units of up to 20 beds is preferred, in full harmony with the character of the place and in accordance with the guidelines of the Regional Spatial Planning of the South Aegean.
The Council also expressed its opposition to underground constructions, which, as it was emphasized, are not consistent with the Cycladic landscape and the history of the island, as well as to the installation of wind turbines, which were considered to affect the scale of the landscape and a number of archaeological sites. At the same time, a positive attitude was expressed towards the creation of a small photovoltaic park for the electrification of desalination plants and the reduction of energy costs.
According to the decision, the mandatory provision of water tanks is provided for in every new building, while special emphasis was placed on supporting the primary sector. The Municipal Council requested funding for actions to protect, preserve and restore the island’s terraces, which retain soil and rainwater and contribute to the preservation of agricultural land.
Finally, it was proposed to protect specific areas as undeveloped zones due to their archaeological importance, such as the areas near Episkopi, Malta Beach, Paleokastro and Karras Bay.
Sikinos, which has been included in the “7 Most Endangered” program of the European cultural heritage organization Europa Nostra, is gradually shaping an integrated spatial organization framework, which, according to the municipal authority, aims to maintain the balance between development and landscape protection.
