PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The main threats to the Natura 2000 network sites in Crete are the destruction of coastal habitats by further development of the tourism sector, the degradation of mountain landscape and the loss of biodiversity due to intensive agriculture, abandonment of traditional farming practices and the impact of human activities on key species. Most of these problems are intensified by inadequate law enforcement and the poor implementation of EU regulations and environmental policy.
Raising awareness in local communities about the importance of species and habitat protection, in combination with the application of management measures, is often a more effective way of achieving conservation goals than implementing national or European legislation. Greater awareness among certain groups has proven to be a practical and effective conservation action. Encouraging cooperation among different groups is vital for the implementation of appropriate protection and management measures within and around Natura 2000 sites. In addition, the integration of the ecological value of Natura 2000 network to the local economy potential and social cohesion will contribute to sustainable development at the project’s sites.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE Natura2000ValueCrete project aimed to support conservation efforts targeting Natura 2000 sites in Crete by motivating the public to participate in relevant decision-making processes and by highlighting the socio-economic damage that will result from biodiversity loss in Crete.
Specifically, the project aimed to:
- Inform and change the negative attitudes of stakeholders, targeted audiences and the local public, who view Natura 2000 as an inhibitive factor for economic development;
- Inform stakeholders, targeted audiences and the local public about the ecological significance of Natura 2000 sites and about funding opportunities for green development in rural areas;
- Provide targeted audiences with the appropriate skills to engage in biodiversity conservation and value sustainable development;
- Incorporate obligations relating to the Natura 2000 network into all human activities in non-urban zones; and
- Provide guidance to other Managing Bodies of Natura 2000 sites in Greece on ways to develop information and communication strategies to highlight the ecological, social and economic value of ecosystem services.
RESULTS
The LIFE Natura2000ValueCrete project helped support conservation efforts targeting Natura 2000 sites in Crete by motivating the public to participate into relevant decision-making and by highlighting the socio-economic damage that will result from biodiversity loss in Crete. It organiseda series of open events at which local communities were able to discuss issues with decision makers, while being shown for the first time how Crete's ecosystem services can be quantified. The project moreover held seminars targeted at tourism and agriculture sector representatives to illustrate the social and economic benefits of environmental protection.
The project identified which stakeholders were the most reluctant to changing attitudes and tailored the communication tools towards them (specially the tourist industry and farmers). The project contributed to shifting local attitudes to the Natura 2000 Network, by providing good example of local economies thriving around biodiversity protection regimes. Finally, the project addressed the lack of knowledge about the Natura 2000 Network in the primary economic sector and assisted, via publications, the local authorities to translate the Birds and Habitats Directive into local benefits, but as well "dos and don’ts".
Additionally, the project carried out an extensive communication campaign (articles, TV and radio spots, noticeboards, etc.) to inform stakeholders and the public of the ecological significance of the Natura 2000 Network and funding opportunities for green development in rural areas.
An awareness survey carried out under the project showed a change in perception among certain audiences on the value of healthy ecosystems to their livelihoods, while also improving attitudes towards the Natura 2000 Network. Furthermore, the project published a technical guide on addressing the misuse of forest resources.
Specific results include:
- Organisation of 36 events (conferences, congresses, workshops and festivals) attracting more than 10 500 participants;
- Adoption of the environmental education material by the Greek Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs; and
- Installation of a state-of-the-art exhibition at the Exhibition Halls of the UoC – NHMC, attracting more than 80 000 visitors.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).
