Greek Tourism and Environment

Tourism in Greece has been based on the promotion of two of the country's major assets: cultural heritage and natural environment, close to its genuine state. The monuments of civilization which flourished there for centuries are Greece's "pearls" and unique attraction for people who are interested not only in luxuries spending of the time, but also in seeking different adventures and challenges.
Being part of big Europe, Greece recently has undertaken strong efforts in preserving nature and wildlife. The idea of sustainability for long ago is not just a theory in Greece.
In the country there are 375 wetlands (lakes, lagoons, river deltas), 11 of which are international importance in accordance with the RAMSAR convention for the wetlands. The total area they cover is more than 200 000 ha. There are 10 distinct national forests and woodlands. Marine and coastal eco systems are particularly rich, interesting and diverse.
Greece is a mountainous land with a rugged terrain. The fact that it the relief is very diverse, the climatic condition and the proximity with big water basin creates wonderful conditions for growth of forests, and wildlife. Historical sources from Hesiod to Homer to Aristotle attest that there were bison, long-horned cattle, bears, boar. To protect the remaining forests Greek government has established a few national park - some of the most famous - Pindos, Parnassos, Ainos.
In the country there are over 400 lakes, forming lagoons, fens, marshes, river estuaries and aquatic eco-systems. Wetlands are one of the most populated habitats in terms of density of wildlife. In the recent years Greece has been successfully implementing a policy of integrated management of wetlands, supporting and promoting rational and sensible utilization of these valuable places. One of those activities is eco-tourism and right now people in Greece are investing more and more into this type of recreation. Thanks to its geographical location in the Mediterranean, its geology and climate, Greece has one major advantage in comparison with other countries: its coastline, consisting of more than 16 000 km (!) - that's two/fifths of the Equator. The morphology of the relief and the different climate create conditions for developing very ingenuine environment.
Sandy beaches, rocks, lagoons, dunes, river estuaries, coastal swamps, islets, under-water meadows, reefs. you name it! An important place in these coastal eco-systems is held by the habitats of the endangered species, such as the Mediterranean seal (Monachus monachus) and the turtle (Caretta caretta).
In addition to their biological and aesthetic value, the coasts and archipelagoes ensure important natural processes upon which man's productive activities are directly dependent. The coastal dnes are a case in point, the importance of which has been realized recently: not only are they a habitat for thousands of species of flora and fauna, they also protect the mainland from the effects of sea and sand, like an outer shield. Responsibility for protection of the coastline and its ecosystem lies largely with the "users" of the littoral zone, that is the farmer, the fisherman, or the tourist.
Tourism is the most important economic activity in Greece.

One very important aspect of this field is called "ongoing touristic development" - it combines the growth with preservation. Because the task of people who are in charge of tourism and touristic development can be very tough - whether to preserve a place intact and keep its historic/natural value, or to build infrastructure, hotels, facilities and all types of recreational places. This question is still open, but it seems that in Greece authorities and private entrepreneurs have stroked a fine balance...