Thassos: From the Sea to the Land, Environment, Culture and Tourism
The one-day conference “Thassos: From the Sea to the Land, Environment, Culture and Tourism” was successfully held on Saturday 23 May. It was organised by the Thassos Tourism Organisation and the Thassos Residents' Committee for Tourism (EKTTh), with the participation of institutional bodies, scientists and citizens.
The event highlighted the need for coherent, evidence-based and long-term strategic planning for the sustainable development of Thassos, through cooperation between institutions, the scientific community and an active civil society, with the shared aim of a balanced coexistence of the environment, culture and tourism.
The conference was coordinated by Ms Panagiota Moschopoulidou, PhD candidate at the University of West Attica (UniWA) and Special Tourism Adviser to the Mayor of Thassos, who stressed the need for a holistic approach to development, in which the environment, culture, society and institutions jointly shape a single, coherent framework for a sustainable future for the island.
Welcome addresses were given by the Mayor of Thassos, Mr Eleftherios Kyriakidis, the Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism of REMTh, Mr Panagiotis Archontis, and the Deputy Mayor for Tourism and President of the Thassos Tourism Organisation, Mr Ioannis Markianos, who underlined the importance of cooperation and of the transition to a modern, high-quality and sustainable tourism model for the island.
During the presentations:
Dr Vasilis Papathanasiou (INALE) presented the state of coastal ecosystems, focusing on the pressures from overfishing, pollution and human activities, as well as on the importance of Posidonia oceanica meadows for marine biodiversity and ecological balance, highlighting Thassos as one of the marine ecosystems of high environmental value.
Ms Viky Drouga, Ambassador of the European Climate Pact, presented key international trends in sustainable tourism, focusing on the transition to high-quality, resilient and environmentally responsible development models, as well as on the decisive role of local communities in shaping the tourism product.
Mr Nikos Kaidis, Secretary of the Thassos Environmental Movement (Thassos Paths), spoke about showcasing and making good use of the island's natural wealth through volunteer trail mapping and waymarking, as well as through the organisation of hiking and cycling routes, making a substantial contribution to the promotion of soft and alternative forms of tourism.
The Deputy Mayor for Tourism, Mr Ioannis Markianos, underlined that Thassos has significant comparative advantages for the development of special and alternative forms of tourism, pointing out that the Municipality's strategic direction focuses on diversifying and upgrading the tourism product.
As he characteristically stated: “Thassos can and must develop into a model destination for alternative and high-quality tourism. The creation of the Diving Park at Agios Antonios is a strategic step towards the transition to a sustainable tourism model with high added value.”
The conference concluded with an open dialogue between the speakers, institutional bodies and the Thassos Residents' Committee for Tourism (EKTTh). Through its active participation, the shared need emerged for coherent strategic planning that will strengthen the resilience of the destination, protect the environment and improve the quality of life of residents and visitors.
The organisers warmly thank all participants and express the hope that the conference will mark the starting point of a steady and meaningful dialogue on the sustainable future of Thassos.
