Dimitris Karavelas

Conservation group World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has warned against hydrocarbon exploration off the Ionian island of Zakynthos.
Greece has reportedly allocated 17,000 square kilometers of the popular tourist island to oil companies prompting concerns from activists over the potential impact of drilling for oil and gas.

An annual report released by the local branch of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) shames Greece for systematic violations of the environmental rulebook, while lamenting the waste of a historic opportunity to make the financial crisis a starting point towards a "truly sustainable economy."

The government on Tuesday essentially froze a controversial bill designed to lift restrictions on construction along the country’s coastline following vehement protests from across the political spectrum, including objections by junior coalition partner PASOK and environmental protection groups.