Planning of Human Activities Based on the Views of Local Authorities in Protected Areas: the Case of Mountain Pelion, Greece

Planning of Human Activities Based on the Views of Local Authorities in Protected Areas: the Case of Mountain Pelion, Greece

O. Christopoulou
E. Trizoni

Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Greece.

Page: 
44-56
|
DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.2495/SDP-V2-N1-44-56
Received: 
N/A
| |
Accepted: 
N/A
| | Citation

OPEN ACCESS

Abstract: 

The subject of this paper is the research into the opinions of the local authorities in the region of Pelion, which is a part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, with regard to zoning and planning in the region. In particular, the objectives of the present research are: local authorities’ views on current planning and zoning (positive and negative), and on theories for future planning and zoning and the desirability/undesirability of their outcomes; the problems (developmental, environmental and social problems concerning the implementation of Natura 2000) faced in the area; the targets local communities would like to see accomplished by Natura 2000 and their suggestions on how these targets could be achieved; and how to solve local problems. The findings and the conclusions of this research reveal a conflict between policymakers and local ommunities. Much closer collaboration between the two is required before any long-term policy of development can have any chance of success. From this research it was found that local authorities propose: (a) zoning with moderate levels of protection, (b) terms and conditions of protection which focus on hunting and tree-felling and (c) mixed management teams (European, state and local agents.)

Keywords: 

local authorities, protected areas, zoning.

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