The natural and cultural heritage of the islands is a sensitive tourismresource. With mild development it may be possible to achieve the differentiation of the tourismproduct. In recent months the South Aegean Region, through its Operational Plans, gave the opportunity to finance small-scale infrastructure projects to protect and promote exceptional natural monuments of the Region’s islands. Furthermore, the Development Enterprise of the Dodecanese addressed an invitation to support deployment actions under the local development initiative (CLLD/LEADER), it favoured the financing of projects to meet the development needs of the Dodecanese as well as to strengthen the tourism experience by means of utilising their particular local identity.
As such, DAFNI Network provided technical support to its member islands for project maturation and the submission of proposals under the above funding calls. In particular, the proposals submitted concerned:
- Enhancing the Cave of Dryopida in Kythnos by means of improving the routing and installation of lighting, for the completion, improvement and in general the modernisation of existing facilities.
- Carrying out mild interventions to enhance the natural heritage of the Kalamos Peninsula in Anafi through the promotion of an ecotourism route that will enable the appreciation and observation of the flora, fauna and geology of the area of intervention.
- Exploiting/promoting the trails of Astypalaia through maintenance and marking works.
- Developing a network of hiking and cycling trails in Lipsi to promote the natural environment and the unique habitats found in this particular island chain.
- Developing a digital navigation tour guide in the Rhodes countryside to enrich the existing tourismproduct of the Municipality with an aim to enhance the preservation of landscapes and the elements of rural architectural heritage.
- Supplying the equipment necessary to promote an “Appreciation Route of Natural and Cultural Heritage” at the Peninsula of Koutsoubas in Tilos, an area of exceptional natural and man-made landscape, which allows to serve visitors with special interests.
- Developing digital geological routes in Nisyros, where visitors will be able to get acquainted with the island’s geology in an innovative way while enjoying touring the island by enhancing their experience with augmented reality technologies.
Improving the living conditions of local communities in island municipalities, developing new business opportunities, and protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage are factors that contribute decisively to population retention in the islands, while making then an attractive destination for relocation. DAFNI Network contributes with its services to the integrated development process of its member islands, constantly mapping their needs and capabilities while seeking appropriate financial instruments that will allow for the implementation of appropriate and realistic interventions.
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