Can the development of alternative tourism save the remote islands from their desertification?
“Yes”, is the answer, according to the president of the Greek National Tourism Organization Angela Gerekou, who in her intervention emphasizes that the development of alternative tourism, the promotion of teleworking and incentives for young people to return to villages and islands are some of the solutions being considered! At the same time, support programs for young farmers and entrepreneurs can help revitalize these areas.
The future of Greece’s remote areas depends on coordinated policies and actions that will make staying in them sustainable, both economically and socially. If we want to talk about sustainable development, we must also talk about decentralization and even greater support from the state itself for the revival of our wonderful villages and islands, as Mrs. Gerekou characteristically emphasizes.
It is characteristic, as Mrs. Gerekou informs, that the School of the Bears, known as the smallest school in Europe, is facing the risk of closing permanently next school year. The only student of the school, Angelos, whom we had once visited, is of course about to graduate.
As the president of the Greek National Tourism Organization states, the desertification of the islands and villages in Greece is a serious issue linked to the aging population, the migration of young people to urban centers, and the lack of infrastructure and opportunities. Many small islands and remote villages are facing dramatic population declines, resulting in school closures, a lack of basic services, and the gradual abandonment of entire areas.
The lack of stable employment, difficulty in accessing healthcare, and limited educational support make life in such areas difficult for families. In addition, physical difficulties, such as isolation during the winter months, exacerbate the problem, as Ms. Gerekou emphasizes.
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