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Content archived on 2023-01-02

Feasibility model for integration of Speleogical ecosystems in the development of sustainable tourism activities

Objective

The aim of the project is the development of a system/model for analyzing the potential of the incorporation of cavern environments as part of activities for support of sustainable tourism development. The proposed system will encompass identification of the scientific, ecological, geographic, touristic, and other parameters which will allow for categorization and evaluation of the cavern environments and will develop a 'speleological database' including this information.

The project addresses the problem of opening-up the sensitive environment of the caverns to tourism exploitation. Greece, which includes highly developed and less developed tourist regions containing a satisfactory sample of caverns, many of which have already suffered the ill effects of visitor flows, is a logical selection for such a project.

The identifying characteristics - scientific, ecological geographic, touristic - will be examined and identified in relation to a number of selected caverns in different regions of Greece and on this basis a 'speleological database' will be established.

A system/model is developed offering the guidelines and parameters for integrating caverns to sustainable tourism development in different regions, such that the ecological balance of the speleological environment is protected and such that this environment is utilized and explored as a 'museum' of the particular flora and fauna therein contained. Using caverns in this context can be a basis for new 'environmentally friendly' tourism activities with minimal negative environmental impact.

Project implementation includes actions of setting up the database, selecting and implementing sustainable tourism criteria for the caverns, publications specific to the subject matter for dissemination of results to the scientific community, to regional and local government and the public at large, and relevant European-wide Congress in a selected region.

Call for proposal

Data not available

Coordinator

Greek Society for Caves
EU contribution
No data
Address
Sina 32
ATHENS
Greece

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Total cost
No data