Management of natural resources and protection of the coastal urban area of Glyfada

• We examine the problems of an urban coastal area faces.
• We examine the possibilities to maintain the quality of natural resources.
• The quality of urban environment is a prerequisite for the maintenance of the existing business activities in the area.
• The implementation of policies is not sufficient on its own to protect the natural resources.

This survey concerns the urban coastal environment of Glyfada. Due to its wonderful natural resources, the area has been chosen for residence, business, tourism as well as recreation and entertainment. However, these natural resources are threatened by degradation due to an increasing intensity of land uses and various policies that have been implemented.The survey focuses on the problems this area faces and the possibilities to maintain or increase the quality of natural resources. A combination of methods including personal interviews with officers of the municipality, assessment of land use plans and legislation as well as a research in situ have contributed to trace and pin down the issues. The European Union policies and directives, that aim at upgrading and regenerating urban areas in order to make them more attractive for business and provide a healthier environment for residents, also form part of this study.The survey shows that the urban area offers possibilities for the upgrading and conservation of natural resources. The implementation of policies is not sufficient on its own, and direct action on the part of local authorities and citizens is required if the quality of natural resources and entrepreneurship that have been developed in the area is to be maintained