SAMOTHRAKI TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY Kyriakos Vitsas Municipality of Samothraki Riga October 26
GEOGRAPHY AND LOCATION The island is ovalshaped with an area of almost 180 Km2 ;its coastline is 32 Km with population of 2,840 (2011 census) and located on the border of Greece (EU) A small town and mountainous area with a mixed agricultural, livestock farming and touristic character Ourcoast, 26 / 10 / 2011 Riga
NATURE - HISTORY - CULTURE Flora: - 364 recorded plant species - 62 kinds of trees, bushes (thyme, oregano) - 8 endemic - 16 different ecotypes (EU Directive 79/409re - Old forests: (Platanus or., Quercus fr.) - Makki (variety of evergreen broadleaf shrubs
Nature -Maritime environment: -Southeast side with unapproachable beaches - Shelter for endangered species (monachus, caretta, dolphins) - Fish stocks pl -Rich underwater valleys
Nature Geomorphology + abundance of clear waters -> waterfalls & vathres High ecological Value of Ecosystems -> NATURA network (SCI: GR 1110004) Total covered area: 54% of total surface
History Religious Centre: Worship of the Great Mother & Kabeiria Mysteries (6th 3rd Cent. BC) As a sacred place, the island acquired a particular reputation to the ancient world (from Macedonia and Thrace, to Minor Asia, Athenian alliance, Minoan Crete and Egypt) -Victory of Samothraki was created around 190 BC. not only to honor the goddess, Nike, but to also a glorious sea battle
Cultural Heritage Local Tradition - Laography Folklore Museum 999 Chapels, spread all over the island Traditional Dances & Fests (5 Witnesses, saints)
Issues in Municipality Keeping the local population The improvement of services provided to citizens The appropriate use of natural resources The creation of environmental structures The protection and promotion of historical sites
Issues in Municipality Defining land use and ownership The restructure of the primary sector according to the Common Agricultural Policy of the E.U. and within the framework of sustainable development The orientation of the touristic development towards forms of tourism which are compatible to the island s nature The use of municipal property The lift of isolation due to it being an island and its geographical position The management and protection of both human and natural environment
What we expect... Why in SUSTAIN? What we intend... gain experience and adopt good practices from similar actions by our partners (workshops-inrerregional exch. Visits) the policy tool (set of indicators) will be the main pillar of sustainable development for our island
Experiences so far Prioritizing our needs by setting goals Taking into account and trying to involve local communities and stakeholders in the formation of policy regarding sustainable development Interregional cooperation among EU partners facing similar problems
Best practices identified Preservation of cultural heritage and associated infrastructure to foster tourism (Kouklia). a)promoting cycling by providing the right infrastructures (Leiden- Schiermonnikoog) b) instead of using tarmac, seashells are used for the typical Dutch cycle paths criss-crossing the whole national park
EXPECTATIONS/BENEFITS Develop intergrated strategy for sustainable coastal development (guides for authorities) The active presence of Samothraki, the only area in Greece in the Sustain project, enables a small island located on the EU border to: participate directly in the process of policy making for the sustainable development of EU coastal areas externalise its particularities
STRATEGY Development -> based on the appropriate utilization of its rich natural, historical & cultural heritage Strategic Priorities Natural & Cultural Preservation Infrastructure Quality of Life Viable Economic Development
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME