Caretta-Caretta and sustainable tourism: Conditions for the new Camping Thelia camp

The Region of Western Greece approved the additional conditions for the operation of the organized tourist camp Camping Thelia, owned by the company Aristides Tagaris and Co. E.E., in the area of ​​Tholos Rema or Merida of the Taxiarches community in Zacharos within the protected Natura 2000 area of ​​the Kyparissia Sands (Neochori – Kyparissia).

According to the decision, the camp must operate in full compliance with the Standard Environmental Commitments and the relevant environmental legislation. Part of the field is located within the zone where any form of intervention that would alter the natural vegetation or geomorphological character of the area is prohibited, while part of the campsite covers the natural habitat "Dunes with forests of Pinus pinea or Pinus pinaster", where protection of the natural structure is required.

The decision provides for a series of measures for the protection of flora and fauna, with an emphasis on the loggerhead sea turtle:

-Prohibition of staying on the beach during the night hours from 22:00 to 06:00 during the nesting period (May-October).

- Installation of information signs for the protection of Caretta caretta nests and the importance of the area.

- Limitation and regulation of lighting so that it is not directed towards the sea.

- Location of parking spaces on the west side of the field, with the aim of reducing light nuisance.

- Mandatory use of predefined paths within the camp for visitors.

In addition, water and waste management measures are provided, use of natural materials in construction, avoidance of the introduction of foreign plant species, limitation of the use of single-use plastics and biological management of detergents.

The decision points out that the project operator bears full responsibility for compliance with environmental conditions and that any expansion, modernization or change of activity will require a review of the environmental conditions.

The camp is planned to operate with the aim of ensuring environmental protection, combining tourist activity with the preservation of the natural habitats of the area.