Evaluation of current policy about protected areas in Greece

Abstract

Environmental protection currently constitutes an issue of vast importance worldwide. Greece has countersigned a large number of international conventions regarding the protection of the environment, while Greek legislation has already conformed to the relevant European Directives. The establishment of Protected Areas comprises an effective instrument for achieving environmental protection. Therefore, this paper evaluates current national and international environmental policies concerning Protected Areas in Greece. A brief historical review of such policies is also included. Environmental management bodies are being briefly described together with relevant current legislation. Moreover, a critique of environmental policies and their application follows. Finally, amelioration measures are proposed in order to achieve improved and more effective management of Protected Areas in Greece. © 2007 WIT Press.