Sustainable resources management in the context of agro-environmental EU policies: Novel paradigms in Thessaly, Greece

Abstract

Primarily, this is a discussion and review of the general European policies of management protection in the perspectives of the new CAP (Common Agriculture Policy). There are some technical proposals in Thessaly for agriculture and environmental management with the contribution of a voluntary group such as the Working Team "Natural environment" (WTNE) in Natura 2000 and SPA (Special Protection Areas) by following a strategic PLAN. The fundamental problem and concept that this article examines is if the sustainable confrontation or approach can be better improved via means of the effectiveness and the short-term "valorization / utilization" of natural resources or if solutions should be found or proposed via means of long-term "conservation" of resources. Consequently, the completion of works, as paradigm, of 'Karla' reservoir dam's plain (collectors, water reservoir, etc.) and the beginning of projects for exploitation - valorization, created a reflection in regard to the type and manner of water consumption and the more general development and the valorization of level areas in Thessaly, Greece. The choice between different sustainable management solutions, except the solely "economic effects", will be supposed to include the parameter "environment" and it approaches the question of "exploitation - valorization" of resources in a context of effectiveness and "conservation" of resources.