Green Drachma II: Promoting Sustainable Development in Halkidiki, Greece, through the use of Coordinated Pilot Actions and the Application of Integrated Product Policy Tools: Environmental Benchmarking in Hotels, Agriculture and Food Enterprises, LIFE ENVIRONMENT, 2004-2006.

Intense tourism development has induced tremendous pressure on environmental protection and natural balance in many regions across Europe. This is apparent in tourist resorts in Greece where a significant change in the overall environment (urban and natural) has occurred during the tourism boom of the ‘80s. The rapid development of the tourism industry has not been accompanied by adequate investment on infrastructure and awareness creation on key environmental issues. As a result, the competitiveness of the local tourism industry has gradually faded away and today such areas are increasingly vulnerable to the economic recession. Moreover, the quality of life and the environment have been affected in such a way that immediate action is considered necessary. To regain the lost competitiveness, investing both in infrastructure and in creating environmental awareness is required. Awareness becomes a crucial parameter in the formation of the appropriate culture, which in turn may ensure sustained prosperity at local and regional level. The aim of the project is to create the foundations for sustainable and environmental friendly practices in the tourist, food and agriculture sector in the geographical area of the prefecture of Halkidiki in Greece.