Crete News - February 2006 page 3

Desertification of Crete

Climate change is being felt in Crete. Already 8% of land that was formerly cultivated is now incapable of supporting crops, according to a report.
The Agricultural University of Athens has pointed out that Crete is among places most at risk of becoming a desert landscape. Climate change and human activities are the main problems. Water is not held in the earth, agricultural machines turn over the topsoil too rapidly and a drying out effect takes place.

Agricultural water supplies are of low quality, and impurities such as salt go back into the ground.

Professor Constantinos Kosmas, speaking at a meeting of environmental scientists in Athens, stated that in areas of medium danger, if there are intense climate changes, change of ground usage, over-farming (including animal) or destruction due to fire, we are highly likely to find desert conditions taking hold.

Allegation of ‘Baby-swap’ in Chania hospital

An anonymous couple from Georgia have started legal action, accusing the hospital in Chania of changing their baby just after its birth. According to their account, they were informed, just after the birth that their baby was healthy and fine, weighing four kilos, following a caesarian delivery. However, three to four hours later they were told that the infant had not cried since birth and had breathing difficulties. The baby handed to them weighed only two kilos and died soon afterwards.

The couple have alleged that a poorly baby was substituted for their own. Their lawyer, Eftichea Katsarou-Petraki, advised them to demand a DNA examination, which they intend to proceed with.

Threat for The Palm Trees of Crete

Imported palm trees appear to have been carrying passengers. An insect known as Rhynchophorus Ferugineus, a parasite, has been found in palm trees in the district of Heraklion. The danger of palm trees being destroyed, according to the Centre for Plant Protection and Quality Control, is already a cause of great concern. A representative of the Cretan parliament has raised the issue with the government, and we in Crete are awaiting the response. Meanwhile, when buying palms, check that they have been passed as fit.

Tough measures could lead to hotel closures

The Department of Tourist Development of Chania Prefecture are taking steps to cut pollution into the sea prior to the start of the tourist season. Businesses identified as contributing to pollution include many hotels which discharge waste directly into the sea, and these could face the closure of their businesses. The problem is seen as being particularly acute in the area from Chania to Kolimbari.

It has also been decided that the Commission, including representatives of the fire brigade, forestry department and police, will be taking action against all those caught illegally dumping rubbish and abandoned cars in the area of Chania. Representatives of the tourist industry (NETP) have also undertaken to assure that all rubbish bins are to be encased in wood until new underground bins are in place.

The recycling programme will also be expanded to include more materials from hotels. A campaign is to be launched aimed at making people more aware of the problems caused by careless dumping of rubbish thrown from cars and household waste. The campaign will also include advice for people to report dead animals seen on the roads. When dead animals are seen, these should be reported to the police or town hall. In case an animal is injured, people should call the Association for the Protection of Animals.

Rethymnon Concerns; Health is number one

A research project carried out in the Department of Rethymnon has highlighted the concerns of many citizens. A major worry is the lack of facilities in the area of health. 42.9 per cent of respondents to a questionnaire put lack of healthcare at the top of the list. The road network came second, followed by education and the levels of unemployment. High prices in the shops was also a feature of Rethymniotes dissatisfaction. This survey had been commissioned by the Rethymnon Centre for Research and Development to gauge the views of citizens in order to generate a plan in line with local needs. The study was carried out by KAPPA Research, a professional organization.

People called for the building of a new hospital, new schools, amelioration of the roads and improvements to the port. It was said that a traffic plan should be urgently drawn up, with space being created for car parking. There was also a strong opinion expressed that more women should be involved in local politics and decision making. It is evident from the survey that those responding have clear priorities for change and improvement to the area’s infrastructure.

Graveyards robbed for drugs

Graveyards have been robbed in Nea Alikarnassos, Heraklion. Thieves took incense burners, flower pots, candle-holders and olive oil. Two brothers, 34 and 29, from Assites, Crete, and a 27 year old man from Agrinio, all well known to the authorities, were arrested. Their activities included burglary from a church in an Heraklion suburb, plus a housebreak in which they stole jewellery worth 5,000 Euros. They admitted selling olive oil stolen from graveyards. It is reported that they are drug addicts.

Gang rape in Heraklion

In an unbelievable nightmare, the flirting of one 35 year old man from an Heraklion village in a bar in the city ended in his being gang raped by a group of six men.

Although it seems that he was at first happy to receive the attention of the group, knowing some of them previously, he was left naked and abandoned in the dark after his ordeal. After drinking with the group, the victim had willingly driven out of Heraklion with the men, in a black BMW, intending to go to a taverna in the countryside of the district.

However, their destination was a few kilometers south of Heraklion, where they stopped the car and sexual intercourse took place. In reports, the man began to bleed and shouted for the men to stop. They did not stop.

According to information, the 35 year old spent almost the whole night on a remote hillside, naked and haemorrhaging blood. In a bad psychological state, he managed to hitch a lift and was taken to the police station where he reported the rape. He withdrew the accusation some time later, in fear of having to name the six men, some of whom are well-known businessmen of Heraklion.

B-Younique Art-Studio opens in Gournes

Renie, Katrin and Patrick celebrated the opening of their art studio in Gournes in mid-February. Three friends with artistic talent, creativity and desire for experimentation joined their skills together to produce handpainted bags, handmade jewellery, belts and knitwear. They use only natural materials for their creations, which are also available in their online store (www.b-younique.com)

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