The economic benefits resulting from the utilization of Natura areas is highlighted by a study published by diaNEOSis, on the subject of Sustainable Tourism in Natura 2000 areas, from the stage of the “Dialogues of Nisyros”, held for the third year on the island, by the “Georgios Foundation M Michalos”, under the patronage of the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

Faye Makandasis Director of NEOSIS: The 2 billion euros can reach the revenues from the rational utilization of Natura areas

In her intervention, the director of diaNEOSis, Faye Makandasi, recalled that seven years ago, a similar study found roughly that the economic benefits from the utilization of 40% of these areas could reach 2 billion euros per year for the Greek economy.

The director of diaNEOSis spoke of an unexploited opportunity, which, as she explained, needs attention and dialogue with the local communities, since suspicion is widespread when hearing about the exploitation of these areas with the aim of profit.

In Greece, the Natura 2000 network concerns 27% of the land area (ie 446 areas) and therefore constitutes a critical element for the protection of the environment in the country. However, Natura 2000 protected areas are not only important for the ecosystems of each geographical area. They are also very important for local social and economic development.

Best examples of protected areas, which have developed tourism activities to a greater or lesser extent, also exist in Greece, with Mrs. Makandasis making special reference to Alonnisosin the Helmos – Vouraikos National Parkthe National Park of Dadia – Lefkimi – Soufliouthe Elafonissos Islandthe Lake Kerkini National Park the Messolonghi-Aitoliko Lagoon National Park and Olympus National Park.

There will soon be a framework for what will be built in Natura areas

Taking the baton, the president of OFYPEKA, Maria Papadopoulou, who actively participated in this research, spoke about the rules that must be applied in order to protect the specific areas, but also to increase their economic impact on the local communities.

With the big challenge being the protection of these areas, Mrs. Papadopoulou underlined that the reform is in the final stretch, for what will be built and what in these areas. As he said, there will soon be presidential decrees on the environmental studies for the Natura areas, explained the president of OFYPEKA.

Angela Gerekou: Nisyros can be an ideal sustainable destination

In her intervention, through a video message, the president of EOT Angela Gerekou pointed out that Nisyros can be an ideal sustainable destination, since it is a place open geological museum with a rare cultural reserve. In fact, going one step further, he noted that Nisyros has all the resources to star in film tourism, as film productions have already been shot on the volcanic island.

After noting that the EOT has a strategic goal of promoting a different model of development and promotion of the country with respect for the environment, culture and local communities, Mrs. Gerekou underlined that the actions to include Nisyros in the Greco Islands and actions for the recognition of a geopark are progressing from Unesco.

Giving an impression of the actions of the EOT, Mrs. Gerekou emphasized that the EOT planned and achieved the diffusion of tourist flows in time and space while simultaneously lengthening the season, since the central goal is to reduce the environmental burden of the most prominent areas of the country, she explained the president of the EOT.