National
Coastal building ban extends round the Mediterranean
By h.b. - Jan 22, 2008 - 8:11 AM
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A total of 14 Mediterranean countries signed a protocol of agreement in Madrid yesterday, under which they undertake to stop all building less than 100 metres from the coast.
Spanish Minister for the Environment, Cristina Narbona, said the agreement is ratified with just six signatories. She underlined the importance of the deal, given that the coastline is expected to move between 20 and 60 metres over the next 50 years, because of the effects of climate change. She said that sustainable development of such areas was now urgent, as was conservation and the correct use of resources, and in particular respect for the use of water.
However several countries have not signed up to the agreement – Turkey, Lebanon, Libya, Cyprus, Bosnia, and Egypt, may sign later in the year. It’s also noted that the agreement does not have any EU backing. Despite that those who have agreed with Spain to ban building 100m from the high water line are Algeria, Croatia, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Syria, and Tunisia.
The Minister said she was yet to see the protest document which those affected by the new Coastal Law have drawn up in Spain. The protestors are making representations to the European Union, but the Cristina Narbona said that she only knew what had been printed in the media about their complaints.
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