The concept of marine ecotourism: Case study in a Mediterranean island Fani Sakellariadou Prof in Geo-chemical Oceanography Faculty of Shipping and Industry Dept of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece fsakelar@unipi.gr 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Any kind of responsible travel to coastal and marine settings Marine ecotourism Any kind of responsible travel to coastal and marine settings under the strict condition of environmental conservation, elimination of environmental impacts, improvement of local communities well being with respect of local culture and indigenous people. 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

■ sector of sustainable tourism. Marine ecotourism ■ sector of sustainable tourism. ■ should be nature based, directly dependent on intact marine ecosystems educational, modifying human behaviour patterns towards an environmentally responsible attitude managed in accordance with spatial planning in order to help resolving conflicting interests the sustainability theory. 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Activities involved in marine ecotourism sail and/or power cruising kayaking 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

underwater photography snorkeling underwater photography scuba diving 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

sightseeing by boat or submersible 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

observation of marine life endangered species Steller Sea Lion Mediterranean Monk Seal Loggerhead Sea Turtle 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

diving with sharks 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

swimming with dolphins 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

visiting coral reefs 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

sea angling sea bird watching 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Visiting underwater sculptural museums 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

observing underwater archeological sites 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Visiting submerged artifacts The city of Heracleion swallowed by Mediterranean, submerged near Alexandria in Egypt, buried in sand and mud for 1,200 years. 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

visiting shipwrecks Bermuda Northern Red Sea, Egypt 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Katapola, Amorgos, Greece visiting shipwrecks Katapola, Amorgos, Greece Zakynthos, Greece 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Marine ecotourism benefits ▬Local economies are positively affected: ►Ecotourists prefer to buy local items, goods, handicrafts and small presents → strong promotion of locally produced food, drink and souvenirs. ►The use of small traditional guesthouses is encouraged. ►The use of existing facilities and infrastructure is supported ie. harbor facilities of a local fishing community to be used for passenger boat trips. ►A strong possibility of new skills and jobs . 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

▬ Young people are motivated to stay at the specific places of origin. → opportunity for working activities with a positive environmental impact. ▬ Raising funds to support marine research and environmental protection/ conservation projects on a local scale. ▬ Promotion of economic alternatives to activities responsible for environmental degradation and weakening of local biotopes. ▬ Education ▬ Eco awareness ▬ Environmentally friendly lifestyles 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Marine ecotourism potential negative impacts ▬ Motorized boats may disturb mammals at critical levels. ▬ Scuba-divers may harm coral reef habitats. ▬ Boats anchors can affect the marine ecosystem. ▬ Increased number of visitors increases the environmental pressure, the consumption of natural resources, the production of litter. ▬ Remote settings → long distances trips → many emissions → higher → climate change → planet warming and more acidic oceans ↓ Pressure on marine life with calcareous skeletons, ie 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Marine ecotourism should be in accordance with the Marine Spatial Planning - MSP adopt the principles of the EU’s Blue Growth Strategy. MSP: a public process for analyzing and planning the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities at sea ▬ ensuring the highest possible level of efficiency and sustainability, ▬ eliminating conflicts between various users and ▬ creating synergies between different activities. MSP: a major parameter of Blue Growth BG: a strategy supporting sustainability growth in the marine and maritime sectors as a whole, with the integration of activities taking place in oceans, seas and coasts. EU: Oct 2012, unanimously endorsment of Blue Growth Strategy by European Ministers for Maritime Affairs. The major blue growth priority areas refer to (i) Blue energy, (ii) Aquaculture, (iii) Maritime, coastal and cruise tourism, (iv) Marine mineral resources (v) Blue biotechnology. 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Greek Cyclades archipelago 40 nautical miles off the coast of Attica. Case study The island of Andros Aegean Sea Greek Cyclades archipelago 40 nautical miles off the coast of Attica. 380 km2 mostly mountainous terrain with many fruitful and well-watered valleys mild Mediterranean climate rocky coasts with many well protected bays rich flora and fauna 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Natura 2000 European network of protected areas: On the land Special Areas of Conservation Special Protected Areas Marine habitats 2. A marine region of 7000 hectares, with large underwater meadows of the seagrass species Posidonia oceanica. 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Significant archaeological sites and monuments. A centuries-old, rich naval tradition and a strong cultural heritage. Museums: 2 archaeological museums a museum of modern art a maritime museum a folklore and Christian art museum a folk heritage museum a Cyclades olive museum. 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Cycladic architecture and neoclassic mansions. Kairios Library: extensive collection of rare publications and manuscripts a historical archive strong action for the natural environment preservation Cycladic architecture and neoclassic mansions. Port facilities at 4 coastal areas 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

The island shows a continuous improvement in the sections of tourism, agriculture, farming and fish-farming. Tourism is the most important resource of Andros, with related business corresponding to 50% of the total local enterprises. 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

The island is a highly interesting spot for leisure tourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism, educational tourism and medical tourism. The needs of all types of tourists can be met following the principles of ecotourism, protecting the physical and cultural heritage and favouring local economies. Conclusion: Tourism business in Andros can be developed following the concept of marine ecotourism abandoning the current somewhat outdated model. 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014

Thank you for your attention 6th International Conference on Climate Change, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, 27-28 June 2014