A planned cell tower installation on the island of Kea has sparked backlash from residents, who claim it threatens the area’s natural beauty and cultural significance. The 32-meter tower is set to be placed at Cape Sklavos, near the Melissaki settlement, in a location classified as an archaeological zone and a wildlife refuge.
Despite environmental laws prohibiting major alterations to such zones, the project received approval through a standardized licensing process, which critics say lacks oversight. The tower’s visibility and proximity to homes and a popular beach have further fueled concerns.
Local residents have vowed legal action to halt construction, declaring in an open letter that they oppose the destruction of the natural landscape and that they are prepared to take all necessary measures to prevent it. They are urging authorities and the telecommunications company to reconsider.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between infrastructure development and environmental preservation in Greece’s protected areas.