Folegandros, Sifnos, Serifos on Europa Nostra’s Most Endangered List

Folegandros, Greece. Photo Source: Europa Nostra / Photo Credit: Dimos Tsigaridas

Folegandros, Sifnos, and Serifos are now among Europe’s seven most endangered sites, Europa Nostra announced on Wednesday.

The three Cyclades islands were earlier this year shortlisted in the 11 most threatened heritage sites in Europe for 2024 as part of the Europa Nostra – European Investment Bank (EIB) Institute “7 Most Endangered Program” – a civil society campaign launched in 2013 to protect Europe’s endangered heritage.

“The Cyclades find themselves grappling with a myriad of challenges posed by the surge in tourism development and rampant construction. Despite driving economic growth, this brings along a host of environmental, cultural, and social issues, including the degradation of natural resources, damage to cultural and natural heritage, water scarcity, waste management problems, and socio-economic disparities,” said Europa Nostra in its statement.

“Of particular concern are the smaller island destinations within the Cyclades, which bear the brunt of overtourism. The strain on infrastructure and the escalating demand for accommodation present significant challenges,” it adds.

Serifos, Greece. Photo Source: Europa Nostra / Photo Credit: Vasiliki Pougkakioti

In addition to the three Greek Cyclades islands, the other listed endangered sites for 2024 are: Working-class Housing in Roubaix-Tourcoing, France; the Church of San Pietro in Gessate and the Synagogue of Siena, Italy; Home of Yugoslav People’s Army in Šabac, Serbia; the Church of St Georgios and the Iron Gate of Antioch in Turkey.

In 2023, the Mansion (“Konaki”) of Gidas in a village near Thessaloniki was shortlisted as one of 11 most threatened heritage sites in Europe and in 2021, five more Greek islands – Amorgos, Kimolos, Kythira, Sikinos, and Tinos – had also been included among Europe’s seven most endangered sites.

This year’s nomination was made by Europa Nostra partner in Greece, Elliniki Etairia – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET).

“The inclusion of the islands allows us to highlight the risks posed by their successful tourism performance, growth, and the accelerated construction – and above all our responsibility to protect the beauty, and the natural and cultural wealth we inherited,” said ELLET President Stathis Potamitis.

“The islands need our care…the Europa Nostra listing is a strong call to all, state and private stakeholders, locals and international visitors,” he added.