In a recent inquiry submitted to the Parliament, Independent MP Giota Poulou, along with fellow members of the Democratic Movement, has raised significant concerns regarding the installation of wind turbines in Parnon. This issue highlights the environmental and social devastation occurring in a pristine area, particularly affecting the historic village of Kosmas in Arcadia. Heavy machinery is irrevocably altering the landscape of Parnon for the establishment of large renewable energy sources, all without the consent of local residents and contrary to common sense.
Poulou emphasizes that the situation in Kosmas is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of the government’s policy that appears to hand over the mountains of the country to a few oligopolistic interests. She asserts that the government’s approach to the «green» transition is neither fair nor sustainable; instead, it is characterized by profit-driven motives that disregard spatial planning, local communities, and environmental damage.
The recent developments in Kosmas have drawn attention to a broader trend of environmental and social upheaval. The government is moving forward with the installation of heavy renewable energy sources, ignoring the unanimous opposition from residents, local organizations, and municipal authorities. This disregard for democratic consultation raises serious questions about the legitimacy of such actions.
Key points raised in the inquiry include:
Lack of Spatial Planning: The Ministry is issuing licenses indiscriminately without completing and formalizing the new Special Spatial Framework for Renewable Energy Sources (RES), creating irreversible situations and transforming areas of natural beauty into industrial zones.
Disregard for Local Communities: The government is blatantly ignoring the strong opposition from residents and local stakeholders, undermining any notion of democratic dialogue.
Economic and Environmental Damage: The chaotic installation of wind turbines threatens the delicate balance of eco-tourism that supports the local economy and disrupts critical ecosystems.
The inquiry poses several pressing questions to the relevant Minister:
Will there be an immediate suspension of work and licensing in Parnon and the surrounding area of Kosmas until the new Special Spatial Framework for RES is completed and formalized?
On what basis are environmental impact studies allowing the alteration of a traditional village and a protected mountain range, while disregarding the fierce opposition from the local community?
How will the government respond to the citizens of Arcadia who see their homeland sacrificed not for environmental reasons, but for the profit of specific business groups? What measures will be taken to ensure the genuine protection of the Parnon mountain range?
This inquiry sheds light on the ongoing tensions between renewable energy initiatives and local community interests, raising critical questions about the future of environmental policy in Greece.
