Links to the presentations made at the Forum (in Greek):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-32lNrDi4g0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PbHj473WbE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CAjFMjXyu0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r77wEQu5IBw
You can also find some of the photos that were taken during the Forum here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.389872917804748.1073741829.363830823742291&
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-32lNrDi4g0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PbHj473WbE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CAjFMjXyu0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r77wEQu5IBw
You can also find some of the photos that were taken during the Forum here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.389872917804748.1073741829.363830823742291&
Below is a sample of topics that were presented during the Forum:
Sustainable tourism : a case study from Bali, Indonesia, Elena Symeonidou, Sustainable development consultant and permaculture expert
The tourism services that we offer need to reflect our preferred way of living in our place of choice. For a tourism business, or for any business for that matter, sustainability entails not just natural substainability, but also social and economic sustainability (what is referred to as the triple bottom line approach).
Using the example of a small family business in Bali, Indonesia, I will try to show how this vision could be put to practice on Paros.
Local Sustainable Energy Planning - Good practices from European Islands, Kostas Komninos, Energy Expert, DAFNI Network
Traditionally energy planning has been a matter of central planning. However, in the last few years progress made in this field means that the renewable energy sources can follow a more decentralised installation pattern: progress regarding smart grids and microgrids together with the need to improve the energy efficiency of renewable sources of energy have put local sustainable energy planning at the forefront of the energy policy agenda. At the same time the significance of these technologies and the measures that can be taken to achieve this goal will be touched upon during our presentation, together with European and national goals that have been set to combat climate change. The increase of energy security makes planning and the implementation of sustainable energy projects at the local level essential. In the case of the Aegean islands with their special characteristics of high cost of energy production, seasonal fluctuation of population and vulnerable ecosystems, local energy planning is even more important. At the same time, the fact that islands usually host a variety of socioeconomic infrastructures, like electricity production, water production, waste and waste water management, turns them into geographical areas that are akin to continental countries. As a result island experiences can easily be scaled up to other areas, especially those that share similar insular characteristics. In this presentation we will have the chance to share good practices of local sustainable energy planning that can be found in other European islands and we will identify the next essential steps that need to be taken in the direction of sustainability by islands such as Paros.
Urban development of Paros, Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow / Ioannis Kouzoumis- Architect
A. Yesterday
'80s, '90s and first decade of the 21st century: model of tourist development applied, urban growth, types of tourist accommodation & housing construction
Development WITHOUT planning
Overbuilding - changes of land use & conflicts over land use
Surplus value of land
Abandonment and depreciation of primary sector
B. TODAY
Paros municipality - General urban plan
Renewable sources of energy
Multiple purpose tourist accommodation
Financial recession, social and economic crisis
Drop in the construction activity
Small drop in tourism figures
Tentative turn to the primary sector
C. TOMORROW
Expected size and intensity of the construction activity
Creation of new settlements on the island
Tourism: settling of the dust
Turn/return to the primary sector
Aims:
Urban growth in line with planning requirements
Environmental protection, recognition of the enviroment as a source of comparative advantage
Attraction of high quality visitors
Linking of tourism with the agricultural sector
Extension of the tourist season
Creation of a Paros brand name and worldwide promotion
Requirements:
Modification of the Paros general urban plan
Implementation of the Paros general urban plan, carrying out of urban studies
Aesthetic and qualitative upgrading of tourist accommodations
Aesthetic and functional upgrading of communal spaces
Protection and promotion of historical monuments, settlements and ecosystems
Putting in place of infrastructure for the hosting of conferences & cutlural events, accessible to all
Promotion of the man-made environment
Setting up of a body that will be responsible for the systematic promotion of Paros
Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) for the reduction of the energy cost/ Minas Iatridis - Head of unit responsible for energy policies in the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES).
The operation of the Energy Performance Contracting mechanism (EPC) that links the Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) with the end users, through a guaranteed energy savings programme, is a promising practice offered by the energy market today. These funding schemes can help overcome the shortage of capital funds that is evident today and can contribute to the implementation of energy efficiency schemes. Such mechanisms have already been applied with success in other countries abroad, whereas in the case of the Greek market their use has been limited to private end users. The techniques, procedures and types of contracts as well as the terms & conditions for their implementation will be the subject of this presentation.
Culinary tourism and local networks of gastronomy / George Pittas , Member of the board of the Greek Chamber of Hoteliers , Head of the "Greek Breakfast" programme
Gastronomy, viewed not only as indulging in culinary delights, but as a holistic experience that encompasses local products and cultivated areas, the exploration of places and landscapes, the discovery of culinary customs, rites and rituals, the getting to know of the people who are responsible for keeping the traditions alive or who contribute to the emergence of the new Greek cuisine - this gastronomy can be viewed as one of the sturdy pillars of sustainable development, one of the rings in the chain uniting Place-Environment-Rural development-Local produce-Gastronomy-Culture-Tourism.
Can this kind of development, aside from its obvious financial merits, also trigger a re-evaluation of our current system of values and lead to a reassesment of our cultural identities? What role could local gastronomy networks play in the shaping of each region's culinary identity and more generally in the promotion of our unique cultural identity?
The archaeological and historical heritage of Paros as a vehicle for the qualitative development of the island / Yiannos Kouragios, archaeologist
Paros has a long history and traditions dating back hundreds of years. It is also blessed with one of the richest and most varied cultural scenes of the Cyclades. Despite these facts its cultural assets have received and continue to receive pressures from human activities undermining their real value. Also, although thousands of tourists flock to Paros each year to marvel at its natural beauty few of them are aware of its long history or its historical and archaelogical monuments. Within the short timeframe of this speech I will attempt to give an overview of the island's rich cultural heritage and explain the reasons why we need to strive to protect and promote Paros' heritage. An awareness of and an appreciation for our cultural history are important parameters in the qualitative development of Paros and can contribute to the shaping of the island's identity.
Presentation of the Environmental & Cultural Park/ Elisavet Papazoi, President of the Paros Park
The Paros Park serves as a model for the sustainable development of the island's tourism sector as it aims to preserve and sustainably manage the area's centuries-old cultural traditions as well as its natural evironment by applying a modern approach to conservation efforts. The Park lies on a stretch of 80 hectares on the stunning peninsula of Agios Ioannis Detis belonging to the municipality of Paros. The area was considered as an ideal setting for the implementation of this new developmental model.
In its five years of existence the Park has realised a number of important projects such as the construction of the Archilochos amphitheatre, the hosting of an annual Festival, the inauguration of Cine Enastron, an open air movie theatre venue for film watching, the creation of a footpaths network, the transformation of the monastery of Ai-Yiannis Detis into an exhibition area (with a permanent exhibition on the Russian presence on the island during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774), the use of solar pannels to light the area's venues and the holding of a number of reforestation and other environmental initiatives.
The Park is a healthy not-for-profit entity not subsidised by the municipality or by the central government that invests its proceeds from the operation of the canteen and the running of the Monastiri beach into cultural activities, sports events and envornmental initiatives.
The Park's infrastructure was completed in a limited time period and at a low cost, while adhering to strict quality standards, thanks to studies that were offered by a number of scientists. The funds for the completion of the Park's infrastructure came from donations made by the foundations of S.Niarchos, A.G.Levendi, Mpodosaki and businesses such as Blue Star, but also from donations made by individuals, who honour the Park with their commitment. The Park's activities are also supported by a large network of volunteers and friends.
The Park's numerous visitors have the opportunity to enjoy its beaches, indulge in sports activities, listen to live music and discover the peninsula's natural beauty and spectacular views along its trail of walking paths.
Sustainable tourism : a case study from Bali, Indonesia, Elena Symeonidou, Sustainable development consultant and permaculture expert
The tourism services that we offer need to reflect our preferred way of living in our place of choice. For a tourism business, or for any business for that matter, sustainability entails not just natural substainability, but also social and economic sustainability (what is referred to as the triple bottom line approach).
Using the example of a small family business in Bali, Indonesia, I will try to show how this vision could be put to practice on Paros.
Local Sustainable Energy Planning - Good practices from European Islands, Kostas Komninos, Energy Expert, DAFNI Network
Traditionally energy planning has been a matter of central planning. However, in the last few years progress made in this field means that the renewable energy sources can follow a more decentralised installation pattern: progress regarding smart grids and microgrids together with the need to improve the energy efficiency of renewable sources of energy have put local sustainable energy planning at the forefront of the energy policy agenda. At the same time the significance of these technologies and the measures that can be taken to achieve this goal will be touched upon during our presentation, together with European and national goals that have been set to combat climate change. The increase of energy security makes planning and the implementation of sustainable energy projects at the local level essential. In the case of the Aegean islands with their special characteristics of high cost of energy production, seasonal fluctuation of population and vulnerable ecosystems, local energy planning is even more important. At the same time, the fact that islands usually host a variety of socioeconomic infrastructures, like electricity production, water production, waste and waste water management, turns them into geographical areas that are akin to continental countries. As a result island experiences can easily be scaled up to other areas, especially those that share similar insular characteristics. In this presentation we will have the chance to share good practices of local sustainable energy planning that can be found in other European islands and we will identify the next essential steps that need to be taken in the direction of sustainability by islands such as Paros.
Urban development of Paros, Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow / Ioannis Kouzoumis- Architect
A. Yesterday
'80s, '90s and first decade of the 21st century: model of tourist development applied, urban growth, types of tourist accommodation & housing construction
Development WITHOUT planning
Overbuilding - changes of land use & conflicts over land use
Surplus value of land
Abandonment and depreciation of primary sector
B. TODAY
Paros municipality - General urban plan
Renewable sources of energy
Multiple purpose tourist accommodation
Financial recession, social and economic crisis
Drop in the construction activity
Small drop in tourism figures
Tentative turn to the primary sector
C. TOMORROW
Expected size and intensity of the construction activity
Creation of new settlements on the island
Tourism: settling of the dust
Turn/return to the primary sector
Aims:
Urban growth in line with planning requirements
Environmental protection, recognition of the enviroment as a source of comparative advantage
Attraction of high quality visitors
Linking of tourism with the agricultural sector
Extension of the tourist season
Creation of a Paros brand name and worldwide promotion
Requirements:
Modification of the Paros general urban plan
Implementation of the Paros general urban plan, carrying out of urban studies
Aesthetic and qualitative upgrading of tourist accommodations
Aesthetic and functional upgrading of communal spaces
Protection and promotion of historical monuments, settlements and ecosystems
Putting in place of infrastructure for the hosting of conferences & cutlural events, accessible to all
Promotion of the man-made environment
Setting up of a body that will be responsible for the systematic promotion of Paros
Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) for the reduction of the energy cost/ Minas Iatridis - Head of unit responsible for energy policies in the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES).
The operation of the Energy Performance Contracting mechanism (EPC) that links the Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) with the end users, through a guaranteed energy savings programme, is a promising practice offered by the energy market today. These funding schemes can help overcome the shortage of capital funds that is evident today and can contribute to the implementation of energy efficiency schemes. Such mechanisms have already been applied with success in other countries abroad, whereas in the case of the Greek market their use has been limited to private end users. The techniques, procedures and types of contracts as well as the terms & conditions for their implementation will be the subject of this presentation.
Culinary tourism and local networks of gastronomy / George Pittas , Member of the board of the Greek Chamber of Hoteliers , Head of the "Greek Breakfast" programme
Gastronomy, viewed not only as indulging in culinary delights, but as a holistic experience that encompasses local products and cultivated areas, the exploration of places and landscapes, the discovery of culinary customs, rites and rituals, the getting to know of the people who are responsible for keeping the traditions alive or who contribute to the emergence of the new Greek cuisine - this gastronomy can be viewed as one of the sturdy pillars of sustainable development, one of the rings in the chain uniting Place-Environment-Rural development-Local produce-Gastronomy-Culture-Tourism.
Can this kind of development, aside from its obvious financial merits, also trigger a re-evaluation of our current system of values and lead to a reassesment of our cultural identities? What role could local gastronomy networks play in the shaping of each region's culinary identity and more generally in the promotion of our unique cultural identity?
The archaeological and historical heritage of Paros as a vehicle for the qualitative development of the island / Yiannos Kouragios, archaeologist
Paros has a long history and traditions dating back hundreds of years. It is also blessed with one of the richest and most varied cultural scenes of the Cyclades. Despite these facts its cultural assets have received and continue to receive pressures from human activities undermining their real value. Also, although thousands of tourists flock to Paros each year to marvel at its natural beauty few of them are aware of its long history or its historical and archaelogical monuments. Within the short timeframe of this speech I will attempt to give an overview of the island's rich cultural heritage and explain the reasons why we need to strive to protect and promote Paros' heritage. An awareness of and an appreciation for our cultural history are important parameters in the qualitative development of Paros and can contribute to the shaping of the island's identity.
Presentation of the Environmental & Cultural Park/ Elisavet Papazoi, President of the Paros Park
The Paros Park serves as a model for the sustainable development of the island's tourism sector as it aims to preserve and sustainably manage the area's centuries-old cultural traditions as well as its natural evironment by applying a modern approach to conservation efforts. The Park lies on a stretch of 80 hectares on the stunning peninsula of Agios Ioannis Detis belonging to the municipality of Paros. The area was considered as an ideal setting for the implementation of this new developmental model.
In its five years of existence the Park has realised a number of important projects such as the construction of the Archilochos amphitheatre, the hosting of an annual Festival, the inauguration of Cine Enastron, an open air movie theatre venue for film watching, the creation of a footpaths network, the transformation of the monastery of Ai-Yiannis Detis into an exhibition area (with a permanent exhibition on the Russian presence on the island during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774), the use of solar pannels to light the area's venues and the holding of a number of reforestation and other environmental initiatives.
The Park is a healthy not-for-profit entity not subsidised by the municipality or by the central government that invests its proceeds from the operation of the canteen and the running of the Monastiri beach into cultural activities, sports events and envornmental initiatives.
The Park's infrastructure was completed in a limited time period and at a low cost, while adhering to strict quality standards, thanks to studies that were offered by a number of scientists. The funds for the completion of the Park's infrastructure came from donations made by the foundations of S.Niarchos, A.G.Levendi, Mpodosaki and businesses such as Blue Star, but also from donations made by individuals, who honour the Park with their commitment. The Park's activities are also supported by a large network of volunteers and friends.
The Park's numerous visitors have the opportunity to enjoy its beaches, indulge in sports activities, listen to live music and discover the peninsula's natural beauty and spectacular views along its trail of walking paths.
