The Environment Ministry announced a suspension of new building permits in protected areas on the island of Milos, including Sarakiniko and Achivadolimni, amid concerns over unchecked development.

The move, announced by Environment Minister Thodoros Skylakakis, comes as the island experiences a construction boom ahead of anticipated zoning restrictions.

Authorities aim to prevent irreversible environmental damage until urban planning studies, recently commissioned after delays, are completed.

A company seeking permits for two hotels in a Natura-protected area was blocked after the Protected Areas Management Agency deemed the projects artificially split to bypass stricter environmental reviews.

General Secretary for the Environment Petros Varelidis stated that construction will be suspended in “nature protection zones” defined by an environmental study under final approval.

Despite the ministry’s action, environmental groups warn that rapid construction on unregistered plots continues, as developers rush to secure rights before stricter regulations take effect.