Παράκτιες και θαλάσσιες προστατευόμενες περιοχές (marine sanctuaries, marine reserves, marine parks, artificial reefs) : σύγχρονες τάσεις και εξελίξεις σε θέματα περιβαλλοντικής προστασίας, θεσμικού και νομικού πλαισίου

Abstract

Many conflicting and controversial activities take place along the coast, with direct impact on the environment, as well as the sustainable development of these areas. Environmental deterioration caused by the concentration and sheer magnitude of human activities along the coastline, subverts the very essence of important economic activities, which are directly dependent on the sea, by negating their basic requirements. Many countries around the world, encourage the preservation, protection, development and, where possible, restoration or enhancement of valuable natural coastal resources. Planning and establishing such areas, often referred to as marine reserves, sanctuaries or parks, seems to be successful and highly topical, in an era where effective sustainable development policies and tools are sought. Scientific data have shown that, within a reasonable short period (3 – 5 years), restoration of marine life, in areas which became part of this ecological management program, has been unexpectedly successful. The fact that these areas prior to becoming part of a marine reserve, were extremely degraded and could not contribute to the welfare of the local community, leads us to believe that implementation of such coastal zone management options, could bring about positive results. Greece has been extremely slow in introduction the concept of marine reserves. During the past few years, changes in the institutional and legal framework governing marine and coastal environmental protection have begun to take place. These changes address the issues of sustainable development and seem to indicate that a viable national tool can be developed.