Celebrations in Crete as Paligremnos - Plakias declared monument of Natural and Cultural Heritage

Greece's Ministry of Environment and Energy has declared the world-famous limestone cliff Paligremnos above the sandy Plakias Beach on Crete a monument of Natural and Cultural Heritage. This decision blocks with immediate effect the construction of a large tourist resort which had been planned immediately above the crag and safeguards the future of this historically and culturally significant site.

The news is a tremendous victory for campaigners, environmentalists, climbers, hikers, and nature lovers who for the last year battled tirelessly in and out of court to protect one of island's most famous, pristine natural landmarks.

As previously reported, in May 2022 the local population was shocked to discover that authorities had initially granted permission for the development of a hotel resort directly above the crag. Bulldozers arrived early on 5 May and began construction but were physically stopped by protestors. Due to the immediate outcry works were temporarily halted while the forest department assessed the impact. A grassroots local group called "Save Paligremnos SOS Plakias" was created to fight the development and its online petition quickly garnered support, with over 40,000 people worldwide signing the protest. The issue was given the spotlight in national media and after a legal team was set up, appeals were made in court on both regional and national level. These, ultimately, have proved succesful, sending a powerful message of hope for those campaigning similar issues elsewhere.

Writing on its IG account, the "Save Paligremnos SOS Plakias" group announced triumphantly "Great News! No building licence is permitted after the verdict of the Greek Law Court.

A year ago thousands of people joined their forces against a huge environmental issue, the building plan of a hotel, just on the top of Paligremnos crag.

A year full of days in law courts, demonstrations, personal efforts from humans who love nature and they are visioning leaving a beautiful natural legacy to the future generations. Paligremnos is not allowed to be built! IT IS A WIN! Thank you all for supporting this cause! We Did it all together This is a strong message There is still hope. It is a day to celebrate so let’s do it."

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