Aitoliko Lagoon faces environmental crisis as Greens-Ecologists demand ecosystem solutions

The political organization Greens-Ecologists has issued an alert regarding the environmental crisis in the Aitoliko Lagoon. The region is facing severe eutrophication, characterized by slimy algae masses, intense odors, and conditions that threaten marine life, causing distress among local residents and fishermen.

The group attributes the roots of the problem to vascular improvement interventions implemented in the 1970s, which fragmented the lagoon into sub-basins and disrupted natural water flow. Current issues are being exacerbated by rising temperatures due to the climate crisis, the uncontrolled inflow of water containing pesticides and fertilizers, and the malfunction of biological treatment plants.

While Greens-Ecologists support certain proposed projects—such as the removal of embankments, the diversion of waters from the D1 pumping station toward the central lagoon, and the upgrading of biological treatment—they warn against purely technical or 'contractor-driven' approaches. They demand comprehensive ecosystem-based planning rather than fragmented, technocratic interventions that may simply shift the problem elsewhere.