Romania's Government gave the green light for the second stage of a large project aimed at expanding the seaside beaches affected by coastal erosion. This project should increase Romania’s territory by 350 hectares until 2020.

Work should start in 2017 and take about three years. The total value of the project amounts to RON 3.4 billion (EUR 764 million).

The first phase of the project, for which the Government has already allotted more than RON 1 billion (some EUR 225 million), targets the beaches in Periboina and Edighiol, North and Central Mamaia, Constanta, Agigea, and Eforie Sud.

The beach in northern Mamaia, the most popular seaside resort in Romania, will double their width following this project, from 45 meters to 90 meters, according to the consultant hired to manage the project. Moreover, the first phase of this project also includes building a new breakwater to protect the Casino in Constanta, the city's building.

The second stage of expansion includes the beach strips in Costinesti, Olimp, Jupiter – Neptun, Balta Mangalia - Venus - Aurora, Mangalia – Saturn, and 2 Mai. However, the Government hasn’t allotted any funds for this project, reports local Digi24.

According to specialists, such projects are necessary for the coastline to survive natural erosion. In the past 50 years, Romania lost about 2,200 hectares of sandy areas, according to Simion Nicolaev, the director of the Marine Research and Development National Institute.

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Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com