STAGE 5: REALISING THE VISION Case study of Mt Olympus Biosphere Reserve
Integrative Methodological Framework
Olympus BR Overview Designation status Biosphere Reserve National Park Natura 2000 site Archaeological site Main characteristics Highest mountain in Greece, high plant endemism Home of the mythological 12 greek gods
Main human activities Tourism and Recreation Livestock and agriculture Wood collection/production
Mt Olympus BR Area Zonation
BR Management Plan Visitor Management Fire prevention Grazing study Forest Management Plans Environmental monitoring species & habitats Environmental education & raising awareness
Visitor Management Action Plan Main Objective Specific Objectives Expected Outputs Implementation & Measures Actions To balance human activities for visitor satisfaction and conserve the ecosystems of the BR Determine the carrying capacity of the BR Regulation of visitors Survey of visitors Questionnaires Funding: User charges and taxes (ie: entrance fees) Protection and conservation of sensitive species and habitats Regular Monitoring of visitor numbers and movements (cameras, manual recording by staff) Partners: Municipalities, Olympus National Park Management Agency , Municipalities of Dion-Olympus and Elassona Upgrade or establish necessary Infrastructure Increase visitor safety and hygiene services Waste management of mountain refuges (wc, garbage, water supply) Installation of safety features and facilities Funding: EU projects (ie: Leader, Interreg, Horizon2020, LIFE, etc) Improvement of overall visitor experience Information, guidance and regulation of visitors (maps, apps, info points, etc) => visitor feedback/review Partners: Forestry Offices, Regional development agencies, NGO’s, ONPMA Development Agency of Pieria & Hellenic Red Cross Rescue Team Greek Tourism Organisation (EOT) & Hellenic Mountaineering Federation (EOOA)
Links to Samothraki case study Develop a visitors strategy and roadmap Define governing / co-ordinating bodies and partners Secure funding for action plans Set a realistic timeframe for implementation Implement necessary measures Monitor and review the process
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