Protected Natura 2000 areas - Time to take responsibility
Kostas Dendrinos
18 Jul 2020
/ 14:14
Article by Kostas Dendrinos - Managing director of Nesaj Residential Compound Real Estate Co, a subsidiary of Al Fozan Holding Co in Saudi Arabia.
Corfu has 6 areas that are protected by the Natura 2000 network. These are called Special Protection Areas (SPA), special zones whether birdlife is protected, or Sites of Community Importance (SCI).
The 6 areas are as follows:
1. Antinioti Lagoon (SPA - SCI)
2. Korission Lagoon (SCI)
3. Alyki Lefkimmi (SPA - SCI)
4. Coastal sea zone from Kanoni to Messoghi (SCI)
5. Korission Lagoon & Lagoudia Islet (SPA)
6. Diapontia Islands (SPA)
There is provision in the new environmental law for the creation of a Natural Environment & Climate Change Organisation to implement the policies drawn up by the Ministry of Environment and Energy regarding the management of Greece's protected areas, promotion and activities for sustainable development and tackling climate change.
There will be 24 Protected Area Management Units under the umbrella of this Organisation (MDPP).
The responsibilities of the MDPPs include the following:
- Preparing studies and conducting research as well as executing work and projects included in the local Management Plan which are necessary for the protection, conservation, restoration and promotion of the protected areas.
- Consultation with the local community, producers and other relevant bodies in the area whenever needed in order to achieve integrated management, effective protection and promotion of the value of the protected area as well as the integration of the environmental parameters in the local development programmes.
- Raising public and producers' awareness regarding the work and aims of the MDPPs. To this end MDPPs may set up and operate information centres and produce publications in print or online.
- Organising and participating in vocational and educational programmes as well as conferences, seminars and other information events to promote the objectives of protected area management.
- Drawing up a Local Priority Action Plan (TSDP), which will stipulate the needs and funding priorities with regard to the protection, conservation, restoration and promotion of the protected areas with priority being given to conservation of the habitats.
- Utilisation of funding tools and income from ecotourism and other activities to promote local products from the primary sector along with carrying out projects and activities to promote regional and local development.
- Drawing up proposals for the safeguarding the areas they are responsible for, which are passed on to the relevant bodies for implementation and then the monitoring of the implementation.
- Participation in Programme Agreements and Memoranda of Sooperation with other public services and bodies.
It is clear that the new legislation is opening the way for local bodies and organisations to become involved in decision-making and management of the protected areas. A Destination Management Organisation, with its technocratic and professional operation, could be an ideal partner and advisor to help protect our natural heritage.
The time has come for Corfu to stop merely following developments but to define our own future, beginning with control over the management of our natural wealth, our tourist product and the sustainable development of our island beyond the one-dimensional production model that we have developed and maintained up to now.
The 6 areas are as follows:
1. Antinioti Lagoon (SPA - SCI)
2. Korission Lagoon (SCI)
3. Alyki Lefkimmi (SPA - SCI)
4. Coastal sea zone from Kanoni to Messoghi (SCI)
5. Korission Lagoon & Lagoudia Islet (SPA)
6. Diapontia Islands (SPA)
There is provision in the new environmental law for the creation of a Natural Environment & Climate Change Organisation to implement the policies drawn up by the Ministry of Environment and Energy regarding the management of Greece's protected areas, promotion and activities for sustainable development and tackling climate change.
There will be 24 Protected Area Management Units under the umbrella of this Organisation (MDPP).
The responsibilities of the MDPPs include the following:
- Preparing studies and conducting research as well as executing work and projects included in the local Management Plan which are necessary for the protection, conservation, restoration and promotion of the protected areas.
- Consultation with the local community, producers and other relevant bodies in the area whenever needed in order to achieve integrated management, effective protection and promotion of the value of the protected area as well as the integration of the environmental parameters in the local development programmes.
- Raising public and producers' awareness regarding the work and aims of the MDPPs. To this end MDPPs may set up and operate information centres and produce publications in print or online.
- Organising and participating in vocational and educational programmes as well as conferences, seminars and other information events to promote the objectives of protected area management.
- Drawing up a Local Priority Action Plan (TSDP), which will stipulate the needs and funding priorities with regard to the protection, conservation, restoration and promotion of the protected areas with priority being given to conservation of the habitats.
- Utilisation of funding tools and income from ecotourism and other activities to promote local products from the primary sector along with carrying out projects and activities to promote regional and local development.
- Drawing up proposals for the safeguarding the areas they are responsible for, which are passed on to the relevant bodies for implementation and then the monitoring of the implementation.
- Participation in Programme Agreements and Memoranda of Sooperation with other public services and bodies.
It is clear that the new legislation is opening the way for local bodies and organisations to become involved in decision-making and management of the protected areas. A Destination Management Organisation, with its technocratic and professional operation, could be an ideal partner and advisor to help protect our natural heritage.
The time has come for Corfu to stop merely following developments but to define our own future, beginning with control over the management of our natural wealth, our tourist product and the sustainable development of our island beyond the one-dimensional production model that we have developed and maintained up to now.
