In Greece, the right to access in all beaches of the country is constitutionally established. The beaches belong to the state, and therefore they are open to everyone. Private companies, such as hotels, are allowed to own exclusive rights on a beach under very strict rules, and always leaving space for everybody else.

Unfortunately, the recent economic crisis has led to the fact that many laws change, often ignoring rules for the protection of the environment. The only way that we can react is the mobilization of people, in order to create enough political pressure, to prevent the positive vote in the parliament.

Last week, the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Tourism suggested a new law that allows the selling-out of whole beaches, having as an argument the development of tourism and the legalization of many illegal constructions that have been already built. As a result, the most beautiful Greek beaches will be forbidden for people that either do not pay a ticket or are not clients to the hotels which will have the exclusive rights to the beaches.

So far, it was possible for a hotel to buy or rent only a part of a beach. However, this was allowed only in small parts of beaches and there could not be any consecutive parts of private use.

The new law does not set such rules. Instead, it allows the Ministry to decide the privatization of whole beaches. Additionally, it invalidates the law which forbids the construction of buildings on beaches, which means that anyone who owns a beach can build on it, ruining the local environment.

Many environmental organizations and local associations react against this law.WWF, AVAAZ and other international organizations motivate the participation in the protest, signing the message above:

"As citizens, we are outraged with your plan to sell out the Greek beaches to private companies. We are urging you to withdraw the proposed legislation that legitimizes illegal businesses and allows companies to fully exploit, build and cement public beaches. You have the duty to respect the Greek Constitution that protects the right of the public to have free access to the coast, protect the natural heritage of Greece and preserve it for future generations and for the future of tourism."

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/petition/Ypoyrgo_Oikonomikon_G_Stoyrnara_Ypografoyme_Ohi_sto_xepoylima_ton_Ellinikon_paralion/?bIAmSeb&v=39640

I believe that the mass reaction of people from all around the world will prevent the legalization of such plans against people's right to enjoy the environment.