Ionian: environmental study 5A approved — draft presidential decree comes next
The approval completes the environmental-study groundwork for the marine park, according to the environment ministry.
Special Environmental Study 5A for Natura 2000 areas of the Ionian Islands was approved on 27 October 2026. Decision YPEN/DDFPB/121362/2907, Diavgeia ID 68Ε54653Π8-Β2Κ is signed by Secretary-General for Natural Environment and Water Petros Varelidis.
It concerns protected-area groups in Corfu, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Lefkada and Zakynthos. The ministry says the study covers 22 Natura areas and complements earlier studies for the marine and land sections of the planned Ionian National Marine Park.
Which stage has been completed
The decision approves the study for protected-area designation and lists zoning maps and land-use files among its attachments. The ministry says the necessary studies are now complete, with drafting of the presidential decree to follow.
Study approval is not presented as an already published presidential decree establishing the new park. Final boundaries, binding rules and their commencement must be checked in the final designation act. Protection of species, habitats and Posidonia meadows is described by the ministry as an objective of the planning.
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