More information
Description
The proposed project corresponds to a constant need, that of citizens’ participation in environmental preservation, especially in territories that have been designated as protected areas due to their significant ecological value. The management of these areas is the key of their preservation and consequently the participation of citizens in management decisions that concern protected areas constitute an undoubted right and obligation, not only of the inhabitants of these territories, but also of the visiting ecotourists and of environmental NGO that are active in them. In this context, ELETOIK, aims to offer a free and easily accessible “forum” to encourage the activation of citizens’ participation in decisions for the management and the preservation of protected areas, with the set up of an online platform for citizens and NGO, bringing together all interested parties, to register their observations and proposals for the improvement of the protection of an area, so that the local Management Unit of the Protected Area will shape their decisions accordingly. The platform will allow space for online discussions with the local Management Unit. The effectiveness of the platform will be evaluated in a pilot application in a protected area. Organise a day conference, inviting environmental NGOs, and public authorities with responsibilities for the protected areas, to discuss public participation in decisions that concern protected areas and improvement of the methods used. Create a brief Guide for the participation of citizens in decisions concerning the management and protection of protected areas. The Guide will be uploaded in the platform, and will be freely available as training material for public participation and the use of the platform. The above activities ae expected to help the start of a wider effort to involve citizens in the management and preservation of protected areas, including those who live and work in the areas or visit the areas as ecotourists.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the uncontrolled dumping of garbage in sensitive, protected ecosystems, particularly in the Messolonghi Lagoon-Akarnanian Mountains National Park and Lake Trichonida. It sought to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting natural areas and create a collaborative framework for citizens, local authorities, and civil society organizations to participate actively in environmental protection efforts. The challenge also included strengthening the involvement of local communities in the management of protected areas.
The project created an electronic platform (forum) to connect citizens and NGOs with the goal of facilitating collaboration on environmental protection. A network of 10 civil society organizations and 2 public bodies was established to ensure coordinated efforts. Two voluntary cleanup actions were organized in high-priority areas, including Louros Beach and Lake Trichonida, mobilizing 100 volunteers. The project also held a conference in Aetoliko, encouraging local discussion about participatory processes in environmental management. Additionally, a guide was produced to assist citizens in engaging in the management and protection of ecologically sensitive areas, based on the experiences from the pilot project.
The project successfully mobilized 100 volunteers from Messolonghi and Agrinio for the cleanup actions, raising awareness about waste management in protected areas. It also facilitated the creation of a sustainable network of civil society organizations and public bodies to support ongoing efforts in environmental protection. The conference sparked valuable dialogue between local citizens, civil society, and public administration on participatory management processes. The project’s guide will help empower citizens in future conservation efforts, ensuring long-term engagement in protecting sensitive ecosystems.