PRESS RELEASE
ELLET OPPOSES ANTIMONITE MINING IN CHIOS
ELLINIKI ETAIRIA Society of Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET) opposes the mining of antimonite in the northern part of Chios, expressing its solidarity with the struggle of the residents of Chios and their organizations. This investment will be a serious risk:
- For the area, which is classified as a Natura 2000 site,
- for the health of the workers and the inhabitants of the neighbouring areas,
- and there may be negative effects on the whole island, especially on agricultural production, including the production of mastic.
Chios is fortunate to have a unique and sought-after agricultural production, while its tourism prospects are also very positive, given that it has not yet been ‘developed’ as a destination for mass sun+sea tourism. This could be a great opportunity for Chios to promote its sustainable soft development, with the promotion (and not short-sighted consumption) of its natural and cultural resources, given its special characteristics, such as: unique traditional settlements, many exploitable natural resources (landscapes, beaches) and its protected areas, such as North Chios (Natura 4130001 and 4130003).
The combination of the primary sector and soft tourism is the one that can support the island economically, in the medium and long term, provided that efforts to implement investment projects that mine the future of the island are halted.
For further information, please contact the offices of the ELLET: Ms. K. Stebili – Tel: 210 – 32 25 245 & 210 – 32 26 693 / E-mail: sepi@ellinikietairia.gr / www.ellet.gr