Stakeholder views on environmental protection policies in the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades, Greece

Abstract

The prospect of many species or unique landscapes disappearing from the planet has resulted in the mobilization of humanity to take measures against this catastrophic course. Thus, efforts are currently being made to organize action worldwide to preserve biodiversity and protect natural ecosystems. The institutionalization of Protected Areas aiming at the protection and management of biodiversity as well as the conservation of areas with particular natural beauty and special characteristics is an opportunity for sustainable development that respects nature and humans and leaves natural resources as a legacy to future generations. According to a recent European Union directive, National and local authorities and coastal communities should be involved in the design and management of the Marine Protected Areas. This paper aimed to improve the governance of the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades through a face-to-face questioner conducted to the residents, hunters and fishermen of the northern Sporades islands. All social groups desire to participate in decision-making processes regarding the marine park. Unlike hunters and fishermen, the local community requests the expansion of the marine park. Stakeholders have good knowledge of park issues and they were updated mainly by the internet, the social network, and the hunting/fishing associations. Most residents have neutral to negative opinion about the management body of the park. Proposals concerning the protection, development and promotion of the marine park were highly appraised except those related to leisure boat docking infrastructures.