Ministry: Mykonos New Urban Plan to Balance Tourism and Environmental Protection

Photo source: Environment Ministry

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy recently presented the main points of a new urban planning framework for the island of Mykonos.

The plan focuses on achieving optimal spatial planning and sustainable development for the island, outlining guidelines and regulations for housing developments and areas beyond its urban limits. The proposed city plan seeks to balance environmental protection with the island’s tourism development needs, aligning with the broader regional planning framework.

Mykonos, Greece.

Designated protection zones

The proposal introduces several primary protection zones, including:

– The Natura 2000 network,
– Wildlife sanctuaries,
– Island wetlands,
– Water basin conservation areas,
– Stream protection zones and natural corridors along waterways,
– Preservation of archaeological sites and monuments,
– Landscape conservation,
– Preservation of significant beaches and coastal areas.

Land-use control zones

In addition, the plan includes land-use control zones for various facilities. These zones designate areas for:

– Storage, product processing, and waste management, with two specific subzones,
– Tourism and recreational activities on the island’s southern coast,
– Low-impact tourism on western beaches, specifically at Diakofti peninsula and around the Marathio water basin,
– Agricultural production and livestock farming in Ano Mera and other areas beyond Mykonos Town (Hora).

Strategic zoning for tourism and recreation

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

The core concept of the proposal is to establish a designated tourism and recreational zone, as well as a holiday home area in southern Mykonos. The remaining areas of the island are planned as protected zones, supporting mild or alternative tourism.

Infrastructure development requirements

It is also worth noting that any new tourist accommodations within the designated tourism zones will be permitted only after essential infrastructure projects are completed, with a five-year development horizon. These projects include desalination facilities, water networks, waste management, roadways, parking areas, and upgrades to the electricity grid.

Developed in collaboration with the Technical Chamber of Greece and the Municipality of Mykonos, the urban plan is part of Greece’s “Konstantinos Doxiadis” city planning reform program, which is funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility.

The new urban planning framework of Mykonos is currently available for public consultation until next week.