DEVELOPMENT, POLLUTION AND STAKEHOLDERS ACTIVITIES FOR PROTECTION OF COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT

摘要

Alexandroupolis and Kavala are the only coastal cities of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region, in northern Greece. The present study examines residents evaluation of the marine and coastal sectors to the perspectives of development and quality of life in these cities. The main aquatic and terrestrial sea pollution factors were evaluated and the activities of different Stakeholders (State, Local Authorities, Scientific community, Ecological Organisations, citizens) to protect the marine environment from pollution were assessed. The research was carried out with 400 face-to-face interviews on each city. According to the residents, the sea constitutes a great advantage to these cities. Results revealed that tourism, landscape integration were the most important sectors for urban development and quality of life to both cities. For Kavala residents also important factors constitute fishery and oil extraction, cruise tourism and maritime transport which were seen as a catalyst for economic development and prosperity throughout its history. Accordingly for the residents of Alexandroupolis, creation of jobs, fisheries and transformation for people and goods were important factors of their lives. Finally residents of both cities stated low satisfaction for the State and Local and regional authority activities and higher satisfaction for NGOs and other community actions.