Man and Nature together

The case of Mount Parnon and Cape Maleas Biosphere Reserve

As part of the joint effort of the bodies of the Parnon – Malea region to link biodiversity with entrepreneurship, a nomination form was prepared by the Management Committee in order for the region to be included in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Network. The Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program, which includes 701 sites in 124 countries, aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. It combines the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable. As the inclusion of the area of the proposed Biosphere Reserve “Parnon – Maleas” in the MAB Program does not imply further legal commitments and restrictions, it is considered as a good opportunity to address and resolve local problems and related conflicts, with the effective participation of the population.

The area is characterized by a strong Mediterranean landscape with dominant elements, the remarkable natural environment, the diffuse and recognizable historical and cultural heritage. The geographical boundaries of the Parnon – Maleas Biosphere Reserve are identical with the administrative boundaries of a total of six neighboring municipalities, more specifically the Municipalities follow the administrative division of North Kynouria, South Kynouria, Monemvasia, Elafonisos, Sparta and Eurotas.

The proposed Biosphere Reserve (BR) substantially promotes the supporting and strengthening entrepreneurship pilot actions and biodiversity protection and strengthens emblematic innovative business initiatives by introducing relevant certification. Also, the creation of an internationally recognizable identity (Brand) for the Parnon – Maleas region and its products is promoted and supported.

The vision of the BR Parnon – Maleas reflects the long-term objectives of the Management Committee that designs and implements the local strategy, but also the aspirations and expectations of the local community. For the area of the proposed Biosphere Reserve, the objectives described and implemented are:

• Nature protection and conservation / research, scientific monitoring, actions of sustainable management of nature and resources, through the actions of the Management Body of Parnon, Moustos, Mainalon and Monemvasia.
• Promoting local identity, improving the quality of life, promoting local entrepreneurship (cooperation, transfer of know-how and enhancing innovation and extroversion), through the actions of the Regional Development Company of Parnonas S.A.

In this context, the region fulfills the three interrelated fundamental functions which according to the UNESCO MAB Program are: promoting economic & social development in the context of sustainability, contributing to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and biodiversity in general, and, program support, environmental education, research and monitoring for environment and sustainable development.