As summer approaches, Greece is deploying a high-tech solution to tackle the pervasive issue of illegal sunbeds, umbrellas, and chairs littering its 8,000 beaches. The Ministry of Digital Governance is spearheading a new initiative that harnesses satellite imagery and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and enforce the country's beach-use regulations, according to a report by Ekathimerini.
Under current regulations, businesses are permitted to lease a portion of public beaches, with limits set at 50% of non-protected areas and 30% of EU-protected zones. However, lax enforcement has allowed many businesses to exceed these boundaries, often monopolising more space than they are entitled to and restricting access to non-paying customers.
Luxury resorts along Greece's coastlines are singled out as major culprits, accused of transforming public beaches into de facto private enclaves and charging exorbitant fees for access.
Starting in June, the government will intensify efforts to curb violations through a collaboration with the University of the Aegean. Utilising AI technology, authorities aim to identify and penalise offenders during the peak summer season. However, the consequences for businesses caught flouting the rules remain unspecified.
Last summer witnessed widespread protests, dubbed the "beach towel revolt," as locals voiced discontent over exorbitant fees imposed by beachfront businesses. Efthymia Sarantakou of the University of West Attica highlighted a longstanding lack of oversight, resulting in businesses operating with impunity. She warned of a growing mafia-like influence, with reports of intimidation tactics against civilians attempting to access free beach areas.
(Source: Ekathimerini)
