Petition is addressed to: Όλοι οι πολίτες και φίλοι της Κω

In recent years the citizens of Kos have been experiencing a strong concern about the degradation of our island. The indiscriminate, uncontrolled and without strategic planning, development of tourism has already caused visible and complex problems. The carrying capacity of Kos in terms of the maximum number of tourists that the island can support without causing irreparable damage to the natural, cultural, and social environment and without degrading the visitor experience has long since been exceeded. It is noteworthy that Kos with ~37,000 permanent residents, has reached the point of welcoming ~1,500,000 tourists this year. In this sense, it is one of the most touristic islands in Greece in terms of the ratio of tourists/residents.
Since:

1. Recent carrying capacity studies of Kos have NOT been carried out, based on objective data and measurements,
2. The study on water reserves and their management, which was assigned by DEYAK (Municipal Water and Sewerage Company) to a specialized scientific team, has NOT been completed,
3. The Consultation on Spatial Planning for Tourism, which is still being processed to result in a bill, has just ended, with environmental organizations and bodies related to tourism having made public many and serious objections,
4. The overconcentration of tourist activity during peak months is already causing burdens on natural resources, mainly water, causing huge problems especially in the agricultural sector (more information on the problems already faced by Kos here).

We request the immediate opening of a public debate on the following:

• Freezing of Licensing of New Large Hotel Units: We propose to suspend the construction of large new units until new carrying capacity studies are completed.
• Upgrading of Existing Infrastructure: We propose that the upgrade of existing tourist units should focus on sustainability, resource saving and waste management.

We call upon the Municipality of Kos and the other municipal factions:

1. To organize as soon as possible a meeting with the productive and social bodies of the island to inform everyone, submit proposals, make decisions, and promote them to the Board of Directors so that they become the official position of the Municipality of Kos. 
2. Support the change of the legislative framework to make it mandatory for the Municipal Councils to give assent on issues of major importance that determine the future of our country, such as the licensing of large new hotel units.

We are not against tourism. On the contrary, we recognize its importance for the local economy, if it is sustainable and ensures a balance between development and quality of life for residents. Tourism must respect the boundaries of the island, not burden the natural and social environment, and offer benefits to the local community without displacing it. The preservation of our cultural identity and the protection of natural resources are as important as economic development. Only through responsible and careful management can we ensure a sustainable future for Kos and future generations.