The article examines the critical role of marine coastal ecosystems for environmental balance and human wellbeing, noting that they are increasingly threatened by climate change, extreme natural phenomena, tourism pressures, construction, and other human activities. Although the existing legal framework provides mechanisms for protection and sustainable use, the authors underline that it remains fragmented and insufficiently equipped to address the interconnected nature of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
They emphasize that effective protection depends on robust enforcement, pointing to persistent challenges such as illegal constructions, unregulated tourism, and poor waste management, all of which undermine coastal resilience. A key institutional gap is the absence of comprehensive Marine Spatial Planning, which creates uncertainty and enables arbitrary decisions in coastal and marine areas.
The authors argue that the framework must be continuously updated to respond to evolving threats, particularly those stemming from climate change (sea-level rise, coastal erosion, extreme weather). Any reform should be guided by the principles of sustainable development and the carrying capacity of ecosystems, as embedded in EU law and Article 24 of the Greek Constitution.
They highlight that a future-proof legal regime must be clear, coherent, enforceable, and sufficiently adaptive, with strong sanctions for non-compliance. Crucially, it should be rooted in scientific evidence and community engagement, ensuring that local contexts and the needs of coastal populations are fully integrated into decision-making.
In conclusion, while the current framework provides a starting point, the authors stress the need for a holistic, integrated, and scientifically informed approach capable of safeguarding coastal ecosystems amid growing environmental pressures and diverse human activities. Only through such comprehensive governance can long-term sustainability and conservation be achieved.