ECOCLUB Blogs™

Crete, Greece: CCS 5-Day Seminars on Biodiversity and Gastronomy, Autumn 2021

Botany-1 Botanical Hike

Crete, Greece: Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Educational Network 5-Day Seminars on Biodiversity and Gastronomy. Dates: September 20-25 and October 11-16, 2021. An experiential learning program with expert presentations at historic sites, nature reserves, and visits with award-winning organic farmers, olive oil producers and vintners. Discover t...

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Report by Nikki Rose: Crete Needs to Restore its Gastronomic Heritage

Cooking in Eastern Crete CCS Documentary in Progress

From the Destination Stewardship Report, e-newsletter is a collaboration between the Destination Stewardship Center and Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and in time maybe others.  Crete Needs to Restore its Gastronomic Heritage Culinary expert Nikki Rose says Crete has wandered far from its roots as the "Garden of Greece," losing traditiona...

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Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries/Center for Responsible Travel Seminar in Crete, Greece July 10-16, 2017

Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries/Center for Responsible Travel Seminar in Crete, Greece July 10-16, 2017

Crete, Greece, July 10 - 16, 2017 Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries Educational Network in partnership with The Center for Responsible Travel is hosting a unique program in Crete: Discovering Crete's Cultural, Culinary and Natural Wonders. During this program we will explore the island to meet many residents working on action programs to protect and cel...

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Natura 2000 Areas in Greece

Throughout Europe the 'Natura 2000' network of protected areas, created with the aim of conserving natural habitats, flora and fauna and in particular wild birds, is considered a blessing: Natura 2000 areas constitute an institutional, legal and funding framework which helps local communities and local governments attain a high standard of living through environmental and cultural conservation using democratic methods and without depending on the intentions and plans of central governments. Two other useful methodologies/tools are the White Paper on European Governance (2001) and Local Agenda 21, which when combined with a well-functioning Natura 2000 area which has a managing body and a management plan they can bring sustainability and success to local communities. The White Paper on European Governance proposes the following key principles: Openness, Participation, Accountability, Effectiveness and Coherence. Local Agenda 21, a horizontal management system, which is followed by 90% of western European municipalities, offers information, communication and networking of citizens with institutions and NGOs, enabling them to be masters of their lives. However, in Greece, even before the fiscal crisis, most of the above had proven to be a paper exercise (and not just in Natura areas) and thus the blessing of Natura 2000 turned into a...

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