“Campanagi” for Crete: Risk of general drought is visible on the island

This has raised alarm bells across agencies and local government across the country about the risks and consequences Water scarcityAlready known in many places, including Crete. Scientists Charalambos Fasolas, Michalis Tredakis and Petros Limberakis of the Natural History Museum of the University of Crete warn.

In their joint statement they emphasize the need to develop one A strong water management systemAt the same time it emphasizes that the intensity of social conflicts between residents, farmers and tourists is expected as the situation on the island develops.

Declaration of three scientists:

“We are already going through the second month of summer, and the weather, people and environment we are experiencing are extreme. For the second year in a row, the hydrological data of Crete are disappointing, and the threat of a drought that is now common on the island appears more and more for the next period.

Last winter’s low rainfall and snowfall, combined with very high average temperatures throughout this year, as well as the year before, are now creating severe water shortages in many parts of our island.

The Now dry tropical areas Eastern Crete and Messara, but also western areas such as Kissamos, are already experiencing severe water shortages, and as a result OTAs and TOEDB are already taking restrictive measures.

Lack of minimum supply from (complicated) dams led to increased use of groundwater, while intensification of pumping inevitably led to flooding of many of them and increased damage to pumping equipment. We act as if over-exploitation of groundwater and surface water has no impact on the environment and humans. Probably nature still maintains some means of adaptation and coping with extreme conditions.

Pressures and demands will increase as the summer progresses, while the peak of the tourist season in August will intensify and magnify the problems in many parts of the island. Average visitors spend three times more on water than permanent residents, according to tourism industry data, with forecasts for arrivals this summer expected to double or triple the island’s population on a monthly basis. Everyone understands that the conditions created are explosive.

It is already used that cuts start from urban and rural use, the latter being the tourism sector. The intensity of social conflicts between residents, farmers and tourists is not to be expected.

Therefore, before we reach this inevitable situation, we all need to take steps to control all waste and then water consumption as much as possible. Starting from big cities and urban centers, first, intensive control of DEYA should be planned for water loss due to leakages, and immediate control measures should be established for washing cars, streets, balconies etc.

As far as agriculture is concerned, where possible, for example for olive trees, irrigation should be stopped or it should be done at reasonable and very short intervals.

Finally, the local tourism industry must finally accept its responsibilities and participate directly in informing and raising awareness among customers about the problem of water scarcity and waste control.

However, the above are temporary measures to mitigate the current problem. The overall solution should have three key considerations:

1. The burning issue of hypertourism, which consumes resources (water, energy, waste, use of infrastructure, etc.) beyond the island’s capabilities.
2. Restructuring of primary production guided by agroecological principles (https://agroecology.gr/). Apart from other benefits (better prices and quality) for the producer and society, this approach is the only defense against the effects of the advancing climate crisis on primary production.
3. Apart from supply and networks, the discussion is about creating a strong, integrated and above all, public water management system that regulates a fair price policy according to each use.

Only if we all become aware of the problem and become a part of dealing with it, each of us individually, and then the entire society, can avoid major problems that may escalate in the future. “

As he has sent Newsbomb.grFrom the southern Aegean and the islands of Crete to the Peloponnese and Thessaly, the “ghost” of water scarcity, after two mild winters and in the midst of the peak of the tourist season, is returning, confirming the assessment of scientists. Hellas Because of that it becomes hot and dry Climate crisis.

“Not even a drop of rain”

The mayor of Viannos, Pavlos Baritakis, described the dramatic situation faced in many areas Cretesaid in an interview that, among other things, “there is a limit to the depth of drilling. Someone at 350 meters cannot go to 400, because we will be in the sea below.” Real news. This fact, together with the increased population from 6,000 permanent residents to 20,000 during the summer months, creates a suffocating atmosphere.

Project of Ministry of Environment and Energy

Fodis Maris, rector of Democritus University and professor of civil engineering, argued that “if the lack of rain continues for the past two or three years, it will lead to water scarcity problems.”

The competent officials of the Ministry of Environment and Energy are working on a new project which will lead to integrated and rational management of water resources in our country.

Speaking to the newspaper, the General Secretary of Natural Environment and Water, Petros Varelidis, said that these are medium-term and long-term measures that will focus on meeting the needs of the basin on the one hand. On the other hand, caution is in dealing with water scarcity in areas. They include the southern Aegean islands, parts of Crete and the eastern Peloponnese.

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