The “Effective Carrying Capacity” of the lagoon is scientifically estimated at 2,330 people per day, which is about -50% less than during peak summer!
Danger to her Balos lagoon is the large number of visitors according to the scientific research of the Chemical Engineering Department of the Technical University of Crete. It is indicative that the research suggests a maximum number of 2,230 visitors per day, divided into two shifts, i.e. about -50% less than those of the summer peak!
The research, which was carried out at different levels, taking into account both the protection needs and the touristic interest of the destination, was presented today to the Chamber of Chania, which is the body responsible for the “Promotion of Sustainable Coastal Tourism” project.
Read the research on the lagoon
Professor Theoharis Tsoutsos presented the “radiography” as well as the research methodology, pointing out that it was based on 12 different measures and priorities. As part of the research, a team from the Technical University of Crete visited Balos, inviting 400 of the visitors to answer the agenda that was set for them.
According to the professor of the Technical University of Crete, “only through gentle intervention the area can and should increase its value. Our goal is protection for today and for future generations.”
Based on the visitors’ responses to the questionnaire, it follows that cleanliness needs to be strengthened, to solve the parking issue, consider the visitor cap and better organize the area, while the scientists propose a permanent environmental monitoring system.
In the context of the presentation of the research, the president of the Chamber of Chania, Antonis Rokakis, pointed out: “The scientific conclusions we present they allow no room for complacency. We are issuing a public invitation for the methodical cooperation of all involved bodies, businesses and society in the wider region, in order to draw up, after a broad dialogue, the best management strategy for our natural wealth, with direct comprehensive and targeted interventions, in order to avoid irreversible damages in the coming years for the unique ecosystem of Western Crete”.
The mayor of Kissamos Giorgos Mylonakis emphasized for his part that “the region needs an integrated action plan for the sustainable utilization of its natural and developmental wealth”.
Source: Skai
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