WRITTEN QUESTION E-2349/02

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(30 July 2002)

Subject: Protection of the Skhinia wetlands

The Commission indicated that a definite answer would not be given to my questions (P-2323/00(1) and E-0332/01(2)) concerning the inclusion of Skhinia (Attica) in Natura 2000 and the protection of the wetlands until after it had investigated the relevant file, and adopted a position taking into account the conservation value of the site, and the elements supplied by the Greek authorities .

Since there is an official complaint pending with the Commission and the Greek State Council has rejected an appeal by environmental organisations because it was not submitted in time, can the Commission say whether, for its part, it has investigated this case and whether there are any new developments?

(1) OJ C 72 E, 6.3.2001, p. 193.

(2) OJ C 261 E, 18.9.2001, p. 82.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(23 September 2002)

In dealing with the complaint on the construction of the Olympic rowing and canoeing centre at Schinias-Marathon in Greece, the Commission's aim was a) to afford to the site an adequate protection status through its inclusion in the Natura 2000 ecological network established under Directive 92/43/EEC(1), and b) to ensure that the installation of the Olympic rowing and canoeing facilities and the future management of the area will be done in a manner which will protect and restore the site's wildlife value.

Since the Commission's reply to the previous related questions (P-2323/00 and E-0332/01) of the Honourable Member, the Greek authorities have submitted additional relevant documentation and further contacts with them were undertaken. This has enabled them to improve the design of the project so that habitat loss is minimised and the ecological quality of the area is increased through the implementation of the restoration project. Furthermore, progress has been made towards the establishment of the National Park by the publication of the Joint Ministerial Decision for the Administration and the Management Plan of the National Park. Certain elements regarding the implementation of the restoration programme for the wetland and the time framework for all the proposed works have been clarified further. Regarding the establishment and operation of the Management Body of the National Park, it has to be noted that national legislation (Presidential Decree) is pending.

In addition, in August 2002, the Greek authorities have proposed the area of Schinias-Marathon as a Site of Community Interest, submitting to the Commission the Standard Data Forms for the site, a digital map and a support file which were required for the proposal of the site to the Natura 2000 network. These documents are currently under examination by the Commission.

Consequently, it appears that important progress has been achieved so far. The Commission will be able to draw a meaningful conclusion as to the compatibility of the overall proposal with the nature conservation value of the site and to judge if the proposal is satisfactory, after the examination of the recently submitted information. This does not exclude the possibility that the Commission might raise some supplementary issues with the Greek authorities, especially those concerning the establishment, operation and funding of the Management Body of the National Park Schinias-Marathon.

(1) Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7).