HUMAN PRESSURES AND CARBON ASSESSMENT OF POSIDONIA OCEANICA MEADOWS IN THE AEGEAN SEA: LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES FOR ECOSYSTEM-BASED MANAGEMENT

Eleni GKADOLOU

Researcher, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research

elenigadolou@hcmr.gr

Mavra STITHOU

Researcher, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research

stithoumavra@hcmr.gr

Vassiliki VASSILOPOULOU

Research Director, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research

celia@hcmr.gr

Abstract

In the last decades the interaction between marine users is becoming more complex as there are growing needs of different sectors competing for the limited sea space. EU has adopted new institutional structures such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Directive promoting the sustainable management of marine and coastal areas. A key aim of these structures in line with “Blue Growth” objectives is the sustainable use of maritime space following an ecosystem-based approach. This study explores interactions among existing human activities in the Aegean Sea (Greece) so as to identify areas which would be mostly benefited by spatial planning. Conflicts between existing uses are discussed along with the cumulative impacts of these uses on a key priority habitat, the seagrass Posidonia oceanica that provides important services to human well-being. Then the study links impacts with the value of a key service provided by seagrasses, carbon sequestration. Finally, it discusses the potential of such a joint analysis to support prioritization of areas or stressors of concern. In this context, limitations and challenges arising due to the inherent complexity of the involved factors and parameters are acknowledged.

Keywords: cumulative impact assessment, ecosystem services, Posidonia oceanica, carbon stock provision, maritime spatial planning
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BIKE SHARING SYSTEMS AS A TOOL TO INCREASE SUSTAINABLE COASTAL AND MARITIME TOURISM. THE CASE OF PIRAEUS

Efthimios BAKOGIANNIS

Dr. Urban Planner- Transport Engineer, National Technical University of Athens

ebako@mail.ntua.gr

Avgi VASSI

Rural and Surveying Engineer – MSc Urban Planner – cPhD, National Technical University of Athens

avgi.vassi@gmail.com

Georgia CHRISTODOULOPOULOU

Rural and Surveying Engineer – cPhD, National Technical University of Athens

geo_christ@hotmail.com

Maria SITI

Rural and Surveying Engineer- MSc Urban Planner- cPhD, National Technical University of Athens

sitim.atm@gmail.com

Abstract

Piraeus is the fourth largest municipality in Greece and a port city. Piraeus port is one of the biggest in the Mediterranean, serving thousands of passengers, who use the city as a transport corridor to reach Athens. On the other hand, the harbor gives a sense of liveliness in the city, further reinforced by the advantageous geographical position, important archaeological sites and a beautiful shoreline. New perspectives are also opening up for the city due to the development of a new cruise terminal. Among the crucial challenges faced by Piraeus city is the strong car-dependency. In order to cope with this issue and related impacts, but also to reinforce traditional economic activities related to the maritime economy, the municipality has decided to re-orient its planning efforts, visioning Piraeus as a sustainable coastal and maritime tourism destination. As part of this planning goal, the promotion of cycling has been decided, by launching a Bike Sharing System (BSS), being perceived as an excellent tourist attraction along with other advantages this can bring. The paper deals with BSS planning as a smart policy that will directly benefit the local economy. It elaborates on those factors that show how and why changes occur in a city due to a BSS, how and why it is successful or not and what are its benefits but also main challenges. It also gathers knowledge from European BSS in order to embed it in Piraeus’ BSS planning effort for improving citizens and visitors’ sustainable mobility pattern in Piraeus.

Keywords: Port city, Bike Sharing Systems, sustainable mobility, sharing economy, Piraeus

JEL classification: R42
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SPATIAL PLANNING FOR URBAN RESILIENCE. ASSESSING CURRENT PROSPECTS THOUGH A MULTILEVEL APPROACH AND A USE CASE IN NORTHERN GREECE

Margarita ANGELIDOU

Dr. Architect-Urban Planner, School of Spatial Planning and Development Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

mangel@auth.gr

Christina BALLA

Dipl. Civil Engineer, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

chrimpal@civil.auth.gr

Anna MANOUSARIDOU

Dipl. Civil Engineer, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

annamanous@civil.auth.gr

Stylianos MARMELOUDIS

Dipl. Civil Engineer, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

marmelou@civil.auth.gr

Dimitrios NALMPANTIS

Dr. Civil Engineer, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

dnalba@civil.auth.gr

Abstract

This paper presents a part of ongoing research into the resilience potential of the western coastal front of Thessaloniki, a medium sized city in northern Greece. It aims to assess whether and to what extent the western coastal front of Thessaloniki, Greece, currently a partially developed area, features elements of resilience and what opportunities can be harnessed to this end. We set out by describing the concept of ‘urban resilience’ drawing upon recently published literature. As primary principles of resilience-driven development, we identify (i) the existence of resilience-focused spatial planning attributes (redundancy, modularity, buffering, connectivity, existence of legally binding land-use or zoning plans) (ii) the presence of a highly adaptive urban spatial management mix, (iii) reflectiveness and the ability to learn from past experience and resilience challenges and (iv) civic engagement, largely facilitated by means of smart city applications. We then shift our focus to the characteristics of the study area. In order to investigate the extent to which the identified from the literature factors affecting urban resilience apply in this area, a profiling of the study area is made, followed by an in-depth analysis of whether and how the identified principles of resilience-driven development are realized through the current urban, regional, transportation and environmental planning and management frameworks applicable to the area. We close with highlighting specific aspects of resilience that call for urgent attention and by making comments and recommendations regarding policy integration needs.

Keywords: Urban, Regional, Transport, Environment, Planning, Management

JEL classification: R00, R1, R4, R5, R11, R14, R19, R40, R49, R52, R58
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