Coastal erosion severe in parts of Greece

Two new university studies warn of the risks of extensive coastal erosion in seven parts of Greece.

The first, conducted by the University of Athens (UoA), refers to a 14-kilometer stretch at Xylokastro, Melissi, Sykies and Kamari in Corinth, where on average 18 centimeters of coastline are lost every year due to geological factors prevalent in the area. In some spots, however, annual erosion has been known to reach up to 70 centimeters, posing a serious threat to residents' properties and livelihoods.

"This is an extreme case in relation to the rest of Greece, which is why it is of such scientific interest," says Assistant Professor Emmanuel Vassilakis, who heads the UoA research team. The problem is especially acute in Sykies and Melissi, he says, where "the coastline has been receding at an alarming rate since 1987 and the phenomenon has become increasingly apparent...