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Sustainable Tourism Development in Natura 2000 Sites: Ecotourism, Governance, and Local Empowerment

In: Synergizing Management, Culture, and Arts for Tourism Development - Vol. 2

Author

Listed:
  • Paris Tsartas

    (Harokopio University
    Hellenic Open University)

  • Sofoklis Skoultsos

    (Harokopio University)

  • Efthymia Sarantakou

    (University of West Attica)

  • Konstantina Tsalapati

    (University of the Aegean)

  • Andreas Papatheodorou

    (University of the Aegean)

  • Alexios.Patapios Kontis

    (University of the Aegean)

  • Constantine Yannopoulos

    (Harokopio University)

  • Fotis Sidirofagis

    (University of the Aegean)

  • Theoni Dede

    (University of the Aegean)

  • Kalliopi Stara

    (University of Ioannina)

  • Charalampos Papoutsakis

    (Harokopio University)

Abstract

Natura 2000, Europe’s largest coordinated network of protected areas, offers significant opportunities to align biodiversity conservation with local economic growth through sustainable tourism. Drawing from literature analysis and case study evidence from Greece, this chapter explores how participatory governance, responsible tourism practices, and empowered Destination Management and Marketing Organizations (DMMOs) can reconcile conservation priorities with resilient, community-based tourism economies. It examines the multifaceted value of protected areas, evolving tourism demand trends, and strategies for unlocking economic opportunities while maintaining ecological integrity. Emphasizing integrated governance, carrying capacity management, and climate adaptation mainstreaming, the study outlines the critical role of policy frameworks at national and European levels in supporting these objectives. Evidence from Greece’s Natura 2000 sites demonstrates that empowered governance, robust data-driven management, and local community participation can transform protected areas into living laboratories for sustainable tourism, climate resilience, and cultural preservation. The chapter concludes that Natura 2000 can serve as a flagship model for global sustainable tourism practices, ensuring biodiversity conservation and local development for future generations.

Suggested Citation

  • Paris Tsartas & Sofoklis Skoultsos & Efthymia Sarantakou & Konstantina Tsalapati & Andreas Papatheodorou & Alexios.Patapios Kontis & Constantine Yannopoulos & Fotis Sidirofagis & Theoni Dede & Kalliop, 2026. "Sustainable Tourism Development in Natura 2000 Sites: Ecotourism, Governance, and Local Empowerment," Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, in: Vicky Katsoni (ed.), Synergizing Management, Culture, and Arts for Tourism Development - Vol. 2, pages 559-576, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-17534-2_35
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-17534-2_35
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy

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