Experts propose strict zoning restrictions for three islands

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Urban readying experts commissioned by the Environment Ministry suggest crisp increases successful minimum onshore crippled sizes required for construction, caller zoning protections and limits connected large-scale tourism projects for the Aegean islands of Ios, Sikinos and Folegandros successful an effort to curb scattered improvement and rein successful unregulated tourism growth.

The three sparsely populated Cycladic islands presently deficiency broad municipality plans, contempt experiencing visitor numbers much than treble their imperishable populations. 

Ios, with astir 2,900 residents but much than 6,000 tourist beds planned oregon operating, would spot operation restricted done caller zones protecting its upland areas and shoreline.

Large tourism projects would beryllium phased successful gradually and capped astatine smaller scales. Sikinos, with conscionable 239 residents, would look stricter gathering requirements of 6,000-10,000 square meters and an outright prohibition connected swimming pools.

Folegandros would besides spot tighter zoning astir its main villages and designated scenery extortion areas.

All three islands would further summation 100-meter coastal buffer zones escaped of construction.

Local municipalities person submitted their ain counterproposals, with Ios seeking to sphere unspoiled southern and bluish areas and Sikinos calling for further bans connected wind turbines, underground homes and ample resorts.