On the third and final day of Elafonisos Eco Week, we focused on sustainable tourism, reinforcing our commitment to making Elafonisos a model for responsible travel and ecological resilience.
Dr. Dionysia Hatzilacou, Head of Directorate for Protected Areas Management Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), gave an insightful presentation on sustainable tourism in Greece’s protected areas, focusing in particular on the Natura 2000 network. She began by introducing this network, which is the largest system of protected areas in the world, covering over 27,000 sites across the European Union, including 446 in Greece. These areas are home to rare species and unique ecosystems, offering significant potential for mild and sustainable tourism.
Dr. Hatzilacou then presented the findings of a national study conducted by NECCA in partnership with the research organization DIANEOSIS. This study aimed to develop a strategic plan for tourism in protected areas. She stressed the importance of engaging local communities and stakeholders, underlining that sustainable tourism must support both environmental conservation and economic development.
The presentation also addressed key challenges such as climate change, overtourism, and infrastructure weaknesses. Dr. Hatzilacou emphasized the role of new technologies, including virtual reality, in making these areas more accessible and enhancing the visitor experience without harming the environment.
As a successful example, she presented the case of Lake Kerkini National Park, where sustainable tourism has grown through careful planning, local engagement, and respect for natural resources. Activities such as birdwatching, eco-tours, and environmental education programs have contributed significantly to biodiversity protection and the local economy.