Xenia I. Loizidou is working for the Greek ENCORA network as an ambassador. It is a special job:

"Non-traditional actions like Integrated Coastal Zone Management are still unfamiliar to people and frequently resisted. Locals, especially in the Mediterranean, want to have massive coastal tourism development, which gives quick profit. The coastal area is a natural resource with huge monetary value; therefore it is not easy to implement ICZM. Inappropriate policies, inappropriate management schemes and infrastructure failed to make sustainable development an effective option. Awareness raising coupled with appropriate policy decisions should be strengthened.

My work to promote the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management as ENCORA Ambassador is focused in Greece and Cyprus, since I am currently working in both countries (there isn’t yet a Cyprus National ENCORA Network). We promote ICZM in Greek and Cypriot tourist coastal areas by explaning that the degradation of the environment results in the degradation of the tourist industry itself with knock-on effects in other industries. Over-development and environmental degradation have led to the loss of the appeal of many tourist areas, resulting in a shift from economic prosperity to economic decay.

My approach is to go on-site, get involved with local communities, talk/inform and directly engage stakeholders, participate in their events, rather than expect them to come to the “experts”. In brief, I have applied the following methodology: 
- Locate the NGOs who could support the effort. NGOs are the backbone of society. Their support is important. Several NGOs support our effort.
- Locate events that take place in towns, villages, Greek islands. Participate in the events, present the benefits of ICZM, of sustainable development, discuss and promote further with decision makers (mainly local authorities) and other stakeholders.
- An important task was the setting up of a team of experts, who can support this kind of campaign, who are aware of the issue of sustainable development, and can discuss, make presentations, support the locals to find information.

The results from the first year have been encouraging. The effort for implementing ICZM is a slow, but an on-going process. Gradually society becomes more aware, decision makers become more pressured and as a result coastal development becomes more integrated and sustainable!" 

Xenia I. Loizidou
Civil/Coastal Engineer
National Greek ENCORA Ambassador for ICZM implementation
xenia@isotech.com.cy