Ecotourism in practice – is Greece moving towards sustainable development?

Greece, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history, is increasingly committed to the development of ecotourism and sustainable development. Faced with the challenges of mass tourism, the country is undertaking numerous initiatives to protect the environment and promote responsible travel.

Green Islands as pioneers

• Tilos: The first island in the Mediterranean region to achieve full energy self-sufficiency by combining solar and wind energy. In addition, the island recycles more than 90% of its waste, making it a model for other regions.

• Astypalea: It is implementing an ambitious project to transform itself into the first smart and sustainable island of the Mediterranean Sea. The internal combustion vehicles have been replaced with electric ones, car-sharing systems have been introduced and a full transition to renewable energy sources is planned.

Protection of nature and cultural heritage

Greece invests in the protection of its unique ecosystems and cultural heritage:

• Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Park: Located in the Evros region, this park is home to many rare species of birds of prey. Through ecotourism initiatives such as the ecotourism center and educational programs, the park combines nature conservation with the development of the local community.

• UNESCO Geoparks: Areas such as Chelmos-Vouraikos and Psiloritis offer tourists the opportunity to explore unique geological formations while promoting sustainability and environmental education.

Cooperation and education for sustainable tourism

Greece is committed to education and international cooperation in the field of sustainable tourism:

• Partnership with Google: Joint activities with the Ministry of Tourism include training for small and medium-sized tourism enterprises and support for organizations promoting ecotourism.

• SETE initiatives: The Greek Confederation of Tourism promotes sustainable development through education, implementation of best practices and cooperation with international organizations.

Challenges related to excessive tourism

Despite progress, Greece continues to face problems resulting from excessive tourism:

• Santorini: The island receives more than 2 million visitors a year, which leads to infrastructure congestion, water shortages and waste management problems. Restrictions have been imposed on cruise ships and off-season tourism is being promoted, but further action is needed.