Greece has unveiled the ‘MyCoast’ app, allowing users to report beach violations with ease in a bid to reinforce the new stricter beach rules.
The launch of the app was announced by Greek Economy & Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou this week.
Accessible for free on smartphones and tablets, the ‘MyCoast’ app simplifies the process of reporting violations. Users simply activate GPS services, locate the beach on the map, and ascertain its concession status.
If they observe restricted access or unauthorized installations such as excess sunbeds or umbrellas, they can swiftly file a complaint, accompanied by a brief description.
All complaints will be logged in the Economy Ministry’s “Register of Coast and Beach Concessions” for review by relevant authorities. In the next phase, artificial intelligence technology will be deployed to monitor reported violations in real time, enhancing enforcement capabilities.
The primary objectives of ‘MyCoast’ include ensuring equitable access to Greek beaches for all citizens, enhancing transparency in beach concessions, optimizing the utilization of public property, and promoting environmental conservation efforts.
In the event of app malfunction, users can escalate the issue by reporting violations directly to the police, who are tasked with filing complaints promptly. The introduction of ‘MyCoast’ aligns with broader government initiatives aimed at safeguarding shorelines and beaches following concerns raised by residents and tourists regarding restricted access due to commercial activities.
The ‘MyCoast’ app is currently available for download on the App Store and will soon be accessible via the Play Store.
New beach rules in Greece
A new bill has been passed in Greece which has introduced stricter beach rules. It requires 70 percent of the space on any given beach in Greece to remain free of sunbeds. This is in an attempt to prevent overcrowding.
This new measure, which encompasses several rules, comes ahead of the summer season. It will be strictly enforced and aims to improve public access to Greece’s famed coastlines, making beaches more orderly.
In protected areas, 85 percent of beach space needs to be clear of sunbeds. A minimum distance of four meters between sunbeds and the shoreline will also be enforced in an effort to ensure easy access to the water.
Sunbeds, umbrellas, and all sorts of constructions have been banned on 198 beaches across Greece. The designated beaches, dubbed “Apatites Paralies” (Untouchable beaches), are part of a wider government plan to protect shoreline and beaches after complaints last year by residents and holidaymakers for limited access due to bars and other commercial activities.
Protected beaches, identified in collaboration with the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA), include those near or part of Natura 2000 areas or marine parks, and include designated beaches on islands such as Agios Efstratios, Samothrace, Lesvos, Syros, Evia, Andros, Tilos, Ikaria and on the mainland including Southern Mani, Zacharo, and others.