MAB Samothraki 3 - Outlining a sustaina...

Point of departure for this project is the successful completion of a feasibility study on creating a new Biosphere Reserve (BR) on the island of Samothraki, Greece. Based upon an extensive survey of visitors and their economic behaviour, and a large number of interviews with stakeholders, the Samothraki council, the Mayor and the national UNESCO committee submitted an application to UNESCO for creating a BR on the island of Samothraki. This generates a unique opportunity to both pre-structure and observe a process of evolving decision making and management towards a sustainability transformation of an island with exceptionally rich natural and cultural heritage. At the same time, this will serve as a showcase for UNESCO to learn and communicate to the wider region. The aims of the project are:

1. Development of a management plan and monitoring standards for the proposed BR with clear management goals, structure, roles and responsibilities in line with national and local legal frameworks and policies.

2. Elaboration of some modules towards sustainable development for the proposed BR, in particular relating to the economy (such as tourism, agriculture, fishing), energy self-reliance, waste management, and sustainable infrastructure, leading to first steps in their implementation.