WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1947/98 by Mihail PAPAYANNAKIS to the Commission. Zakynthos Marine Park
C 402/162 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 22. 12. 98 Notwithstanding, the Commission remains open to support non governmental organizations working to protect endangered species of wild fauna and will also continue its dialogue with ASEAN countries on this subject. (98/C 402/216) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1947/98 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (18 June 1998) Subject: Zakynthos Marine Park The establishment of the Zakynthos National Marine Park is an environmental project of vital importance since it is intended to protect a rare animal species, the Caretta Caretta marine turtle. The Greek authorities have been promising to set up the park since 1991, but the relevant Presidential Decree has not yet been signed. This delay may prove catastrophic for the survival of Caretta Caretta, because the beaches on which it reproduces are under pressure from unauthorized tourist development projects, illegal fishing, pollution from effluents, the illegal presence of speed boats and other human activities. Given that the marine turtle is protected by international and Community law › both of which are being violated by Greece › , and notably the Treaty of Bern (protection of threatened species and biotopes) and Directive 92/43/EEC (1) (Caretta Caretta is a protected species under Annexes II and IV of the Directive), will the Commission say what measures it intends to take to secure the establishment of this marine park, bearing in mind that ECU 5. 5 million in Community funds have been allocated to this project? (1) OJ L 206, 22. 7. 1992, p. 7. Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (22 July 1998) The Commission has been keeping a close eye on the situation with regard to adoption of the presidential decree creating the Zakynthos National Marine Park. It examined the draft decree, notified by the Greek authorities in July 1997. The final text was due to be adopted at the end of March 1998. However, the Commission, concerned about the delay in creating the marine park, will again contact the Greek authorities and draw their attention to the urgent need to take suitable steps to protect the area. The Commission is also monitoring other practical measures taken to protect the breeding grounds of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in Laganas Bay. An on-site assessment of the situation is scheduled for July 1998. In the light of new information obtained during the visit, the Commission will decide what should be done next to ensure that the species is properly protected in the Zakynthos area