TOWARDS AN INTEGRATED PARTICIPATORY MARINE/COASTAL AND TERRITORIAL SPATIAL PLANNING APPROACH AT THE LOCAL LEVEL – PLANNING TOOLS AND ISSUES RAISED

Nikoleta PANAGOU

Rural and Surveying Engineer, Dept. of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece

nikolpanagou@gmail.com

Athina KOKKALI

Marine Scientist, MSc., PhD Candidate, Dept. of Geography and Regional Planner, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece

athkokkali@gmail.com

Anastasia STRATIGEA

Professor, Dept. of Geography and Regional Planning, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece

stratige@central.ntua.gr

Abstract

Future development of coastal and island communities is nowadays marked by two evolving trends, namely the rapid urbanization and the increasing interest in sea-related activities. Coping with these trends as well as other challenges faced in these areas (climate change, coastal erosion etc.) lies at the heart of policy concern, while has also opened up new fields of research work and concern as to the methodological aspects that can support an integrated planning view of terrestrial and marine environments and their interactions. By drawing on knowledge acquired from relative studies at a macro-regional level, this paper attempts to shift to the local level; and structure an integrated methodological approach enabling the concurrent confrontation of territorial and maritime planning issues and policy making. The paper places emphasis on testing well-established planning tools (MICMAC and MACTOR models) that are capable of perceiving, in a structured way, the integration of land and marine environments into one system as well as integration of views, interests, stakes etc. of land and maritime stakeholders. Implementation of this framework in an island region –Zakynthos Greece– designates the value of these planning tools in: feeding the planning process with valuable knowledge, emerging from the study of interaction of land and maritime subsystems as well as of respective stakeholders; and effectively supporting implementation of subsequent planning stages for building up more informed policy decisions.

Keywords: Blue growth, Integrated marine and land spatial planning, Policy, MICMAC and MACTOR models, Island regions.

JEL classification: R00, R11, R14, R50, R58
read more

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
read more

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
read more