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Skafidaras Wetland

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The estuary of the Skafidaras stream is located approximately 3.5 km west-northwest of Sitia. It is the estuary of a very small seasonal stream that passes through the gorge of Agioi Pantes. The open water surface is very small (<5%) due to increased vegetation from salt cedars (Tamarix sp.), reeds (Arundo donax), and cattails (Typha sp.), along with other tree and shrub species. The habitats found here include 92D0 – Southern riparian galleries and thickets (Nerio-Tamaricetea and Securinegion tinctoriae) and 72A0 – Reed beds.

In the natural environment around the stream, human interventions are relatively intense. The road network is extensive, and there are several agricultural activities near the streambed. The wetland is within a Wildlife Refuge (K640, Government Gazette 1802/B/1999) and is protected by the Presidential Decree for small island wetlands (Government Gazette 229/AAP/2012).

Wetland name: Skafidaras stream estuary
Wetland code: Y432KRI017
Wetland type: Coastal Area: 2.6 acres
The wetland description is a result of the research project Joint Innovative Activities for Outdoor Tourism-JoinOut. The project entitled “Partnership of Innovative Rural Tourism Actions” and distinctive title: “JoInOuT”, is implemented within the framework of the Action “Cooperative Innovation Formations/SCC” – 2nd Call: Businesses” and is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by National Resources in the context of the Operational Program “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPANEK)” of the NSRF 2014-2020″ (Project code: ΓΓ2CL-0359457).

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Activities

Relevant Routes and Trails

Environmental Indicators

CHOOSE DESTINATION

Accessibility

For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.

Sustainability

Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.

This type of tourism is based on three pillars:

  1. Environmental sustainability: preserving the natural landscape and ecosystems, with actions to reduce pollution, energy consumption and waste.
  2. Economic sustainability: supporting local economies, strengthening small businesses and creating jobs, while respecting the region's natural resources.
  3. Social sustainability: respecting local culture and traditions, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that tourism activities benefit the quality of life of local people.

With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.

Locality

For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.

Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.