Policy instruments for coastal management in Greece

Abstract

Greece has the most extensive coastline among all Mediterranean countries and a large number of islands, some of which are quite small. Its coastal zone has significant value from both a socio-economic and ecological viewpoint. However, in the last decades the coastal zones face continuous deterioration, as a result of increasing pressures for development. The protection and proper management of coastal areas in Greece should be a priority. Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) offers a proper framework for organizing action in coastal areas in a broader framework of a strategy towards sustainable development. However, so far, coastal issues are dealt with in the context of general environmental protection and land-use planning policies. Recently a Special Framework for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development for Coastal Areas has been adopted to guide public policy, providing a policy platform towards ICZM. The article aims at an overview of existing policies, institutional arrangements and policy instruments vis-à-vis the problems of the Greek coastal areas. Special reference is made to the recent Special Framework, which is not yet implemented in an attempt to identify its strengths and weaknesses. These are examined against a background of recent developments at the EU level for ICZM along with the experience gained from initiatives at the national level.