Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) (http://www.ecotourismconference.org/) presentation by Irene Lane, Founder & President, Greenloons - "From Mass Tourism to Ecotourism (Case Study of Alonissos, Greece)" - presented in September 2011. Organized by The International Ecotourism Society (http://www.ecotourism.org), the ESTC is a unique annual conference providing practical solutions to advance sustainability goals for the tourism industry.

1. This presentation was presented at the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference 2011 (ESTC 2011), held in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA, from September 19th-21st. Organized by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the ESTC is a unique annual conference providing practical solutions to advance sustainability goals for the tourism industry. Learn more about the ESTC: http://www.ecotourismconference.org ESTC on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ESTC_Tourism ESTC on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ESTC.Tourism The International Ecotourism Society | web www.ecotourism.orgemail info@ecotourism.org | tel +1 202 506 5033

2. Ecotourismof Alonissos, Greece

8. What Changed After the Conference? Conservation groups organized themselves Fisherman were invited to participate as stakeholders Community became engaged International recognition and support became available

14. Lessons Learned Lack of clear authority of zone enforcement Lack of experienced biologists on the management team / board Lack of local government responsibility and local board representation hindering ecotourism planning & development Lack of clear economic benefits

15. Measurable Results Younger generations of fishermen have accepted the co-existence with the seal Valuable data on the biology and the ecology of the species Cleaning days established MOm’s LIFE-Nature programs designated as “Good Practices of Natural Environment Management” 250,000+ children have gone through Environmental Education Programs 20 seals have been rescued, rehabilitated and released into the Marine Park In the last 15 years, no dead seals have been found within the Marine Park borders Last May, a seal came to the busy port and stayed for 1.5 months Network of 2,100 “Volunteer Researchers” record monk seal sightings Volunteer programs offer opportunities to assist in the day-to-day management of the Marine Park

16. Critical Success Factors Buy in from the community residents Clear mission Stakeholder involvement Positive relationships among government entities, conservation organizations, tourism businesses, fishermen, teachers and individuals all dedicated to protecting the seal’s habitat Tracking studies of environmental, social, and economic impact and results Slow and steady ecotourism development process Conservation education directed at younger generations

17. Thank You!