Corfu, May 27, 2026 – The South Corfu Municipal Council has taken a decisive stance on the future of Halikounas beach, voting by majority to reject its designation as an ‘untouched beach’. This decision, made during a council meeting on May 25, 2026, follows a resolution put forth by the ‘Nea Archi’ faction, led by Municipal Councillor Alexandros Alexakis.
Council Advocates for Balanced Environmental Management
The resolution, which was co-drafted with the faction of Mr. Lessis, emphasizes the unique environmental, aesthetic, and ecological value of the Halikounas area and the Korission Lagoon. Both are recognized as part of the Natura 2000 network, necessitating their protection and the preservation of their natural landscape and biodiversity.
However, the Council expressed opposition to approaches that lead to either uncontrolled exploitation or absolute prohibitions that exclude mild human activities, especially without prior substantive dialogue with the local community and local government.
Key Principles of the Council’s Stance:
- Unyielding Protection: The protection of the Natura area and the Korission Lagoon is a non-negotiable priority.
- Science-Based Management: Environmental protection must be based on scientific data, clear rules, and sustainable management, rather than blanket prohibitions that disregard the needs of the local community.
- Controlled Activities: Only mild, controlled, and environmentally compatible activities are permitted, avoiding permanent interventions that alter the natural character of the area.
- Enhanced Oversight: Immediate reinforcement is required for environmental supervision, cleanliness, visitor management, addressing illegal constructions, and protecting the area’s ecosystems.
- Local Participation: Local government and residents must play a substantial role in any planning concerning the future of the area.
Rethinking the ‘Untouched Beach’ Concept
Councillor Alexakis, in his address to the Municipal Council, highlighted the need to distinguish substantive environmental protection from choices that lead to absolute prohibitions without a concrete plan, consultation, or provision for a balanced coexistence between humans and nature.
“The concept of an ‘untouched beach’ cannot function as a general and vague tool for excluding every activity. Nor can it ignore the historical presence of the local community, residents, professionals, and people who have lived and worked in the area for decades,” stated Alexakis.
He further clarified that the ‘Nea Archi’ faction does not support uncontrolled exploitation, boundless construction, or practices that alter the landscape or burden the sensitive ecosystem. Instead, they advocate for a different approach: one of mild, organized, and sustainable management, characterized by clear environmental rules, control of arbitrary actions, protection of ecosystems, limited and compatible uses, and substantial participation of local government and the community in planning.
Demands for Reconsideration and Dialogue
For these reasons, the Municipal Council formally requested:
- The declassification of Halikounas beach from the ‘untouched beach’ status.
- The formulation of a special framework for mild and sustainable management of the area.
- The assurance of Natura area protection through modern control mechanisms and environmental management.
- The initiation of an institutional dialogue involving local government, scientific bodies, residents, and professionals of the area.
- The preservation of existing functions in accordance with granted mild-form permits.
The decision underscores a local desire for a balanced approach to environmental conservation, one that integrates the needs and historical presence of the local community with the imperative of protecting natural ecosystems.
Source: https://corfutvnews.gr/n-kerkyra-psifisma-tis-parataksis-nea-archi-gia-to-chalikouna/
