The contribution of European structural and investment funds to the strategic planning of sustainable development in the national forest parks of Greece

Abstract

Sustainable development represents a crucial environmental policy framework in order to provide multiple benefits for climate, biodiversity and people. The National Forest Parks (NFP) represent protected areas with important forest diversity that play a critical role, both in reversing biodiversity loss and contributing to socio-economic development. The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) pursue the preservation and improvement of the environment in the context of sustainable development. To date in Greece, 16 operational projects have been approved through two ESIFs and concern six NFPs which are supervised by Management Bodies. Critical Assessment of the projects and SWOT analysis for the six Management Bodies has also been implemented. These results highlight the existence of common sustainability goals, which focus on the protection of Natura 2000 sites and on preserving biodiversity, to financial support the NFPs with vehicles and IT equipment, rather than promote sustainability.