The issue of the exploitation of Kyparissia has caused recently a great controversy between those who want the area to be declared a regional park (mayors, tourist operators, etc.) and those who want the area to be declared a national park (government, NGOs).

The Council of State initially ruled the region can and should be declared a national park instead of a regional park, but the decision had only advisory character, therefore it did not bind in any way the administration.

However, Alternate Minister of Environment Yannis Tsironis insists that the area should be declared a national area “burying” any financial prospects the residents may have.

Great concerns have risen, though, concerning the environmental study conducted which has led to two different presidential decrees: one issued by Mr. Maniatis, according to which a regional park would be created with residential development areas and the required protection measures for the environment, and another issued by Mr. Tsironis which prohibits any activity.

According to recent reports, Trifylias mayor Panagiotis Katsivelas was surprised to hear the minister saying: “Ecology must win a battle at all costs!”.

It seems that the minister does not consider at all the fact that a possible development of small extent in the area of Kiparissia with respect to the environment could contribute, among others, to the economic revitalization of the area which suffered from wild fires in 2007 leading to a 20% decrease of population.