As part of the European Erasmus+ project “Guardians of the Coasts”, Fotoessa and the Portuguese partners – Rita Sousa of Aequalitas and Rafaela Fortunato and Beatriz Pereira of Impactrip – met last May with Ms Viktoria Simitzi Mykoniati, Deputy Mayor for Tourism of the Municipality of Saronikos, an official supporter of the “Guardians of the Coasts” project.
The discussion focused on the prospects for sustainable tourism development in the Saronikos area, the need to protect the coasts and the natural environment, and the importance of cooperation between local government, civil society and environmental initiatives.
Particular emphasis was placed on the area’s unique natural and cultural identity and on the need to develop a sustainable tourism model that combines growth with respect for the environment, public space, history and human capital. As was aptly put:
“Protecting the coasts and the natural environment is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of quality of life and culture.”
The meeting also explored ways of raising environmental awareness through active citizenship, volunteering and youth participation.
The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation and of the involvement of all local stakeholders in shaping a sustainable future for the coastal areas of Saronikos.
Our beaches:
A common good.
A shared responsibility.
A shared future.
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