ΑΤΗΕΝS — A Greek production company was with a 3,000-euro ($3620.52) penalty for a reality TV episode showing heavy duty vehicles driving over protected dunes on a beach on the southern Peloponnesian island of Elafonisos, breaking environmental safeguards.

The fine was imposed by the Peloponnese Regional Authority following complaints from environmental protection groups over the show that aired on TV on Dec. 7, providing instant visual evidence.

Elafonisos is listed for protection under Natura 2000 and European Union laws that say driving on dunes and beaches “strictly forbidden in order to protect species from any disturbance and to preserve their breeding and resting grounds.”

The penalty was welcomed by environmental groups but they said it was far too low to be a deterrent against potential future abuse of protected lands, said Kathimerini, although the company is being investigated as well by a local prosecutor.

 

 

 

 

 

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