Green light for the creation of a diving park at Fourni, Icaria in the area “Lemonstones“, following the publication in the Government Gazette of the relevant Joint Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette 783/D’ 12/11/2024)

According to the Joint Decree, as announced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy:

The marine area of 163 acres with the corresponding seabed in the area “Lemonopetres“, located south of the cape “Kontogiannis” in the island complex Fourni, of the Municipality of Fournoi Korseon, in the Regional Unit of Ikaria of the North Aegean Region, is characterized and delimited as a diving park.

The Municipality of Fournoi Korseon is appointed as the Management Body of the diving park, with the obligation – among other things – to organise, protect, exploit, effectively guard, take all necessary measures for the safety of bathers, comply with the measures for the protection of Special Protection Areas for birdlife and to avoid pollution or degradation of the habitats of the species, application of the provisions on the protection of antiquities and cultural heritage, as well as responsibility for compliance with environmental conditions, measures and restrictions both during the construction phase and during the operating phase of the diving park.

The concession of use has a term of 20 years with the possibility of renewal for an additional 10 years following a Joint Decision of the Ministries of National Economy and Finance and Environment and Energy.

The permitted activities concern organized guided recreational diving, while at the same time, within the defined marine area, there are prohibitions such as anchoring, fishing within a distance of 50 meters and any kind of development of permanent structures on or in contact with the “Lemon Stones” islets.

Similarly, the terms and conditions of operation of the diving park are provided for, such as light marking, the implementation of an annual monitoring program of the marine ecosystem, the use of construction materials that do not adversely affect the marine and aquatic environment, etc.

“Diving park “jewel” in Fourni

The State Minister of Environment and Energy, Nikos Tagaras, said: “I am particularly pleased that the way is being paved for the creation of a diving park in the coastal municipality of Fourni Korseon in the area of “Lemonopetres”. I hope that the diving park will become a point of reference and an attraction for visitors who will give the whole region a developmental sign, with respect for the environment. It should be noted that the relevant Joint Ministerial Decision provides for strong restrictions and conditions of protection for the marine environment, cultural heritage, marine populations and birdlife. The designation of the Municipality of Fourni Korsees as the Management Body of the diving park is a practical proof that we support local government in every corner of our country. Finally, I hope that soon our border island will be able to “dive” safely and successfully in this development project for the region. To acquire a diving park – “jewel”.

The mayor of Fourni Korseon, Dimitris Karidis, said: “It is a great honour for our municipality to achieve such a difficult and demanding goal that will contribute to the protection of the marine environment and the development of the wider area of Fourni. The coordinated and intensive actions of the Municipality of Fourni with the Ministry of Environment and Energy contributed to the preparation and completion of the diving park study. The contribution of the services of the Ministry of Environment and Energy has been decisive in achieving the goal, so that we can lead to the most important moment for our island, the issuance of the relevant FEK, which is the beginning of the transition of our island to the future.”