15.2.6
Educational Outreach for Sustainable Land Management in Tourism
1. Purpose
This policy establishes the University of Thessaly’s commitment, where possible, to promoting educational programmes and community outreach initiatives on sustainable management of land in tourism-related contexts. The objective is to ensure that tourism development, planning, and operations are conducted in ways that preserve natural ecosystems, cultural landscapes, and community well-being, supporting long-term sustainability at local and national levels.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– Educational and outreach programmes related to sustainable tourism development and land-use planning.
– Capacity-building initiatives for local authorities, tourism enterprises, and community groups.
– Lifelong learning programmes and professional training courses in sustainable destination management.
– Public workshops, field studies, and dissemination of research findings on land-use sustainability in tourism regions.
It covers both formal university courses and informal, community-focused educational outreach.
3. Definitions
– Sustainable tourism: Tourism that meets the needs of present visitors and host regions while protecting and enhancing future opportunities.
– Sustainable land management for tourism: The responsible use of natural and cultural land resources in tourism development to prevent degradation and ensure long-term ecological balance.
– Educational outreach: Structured university engagement with communities and stakeholders for the transfer of scientific knowledge and best practices.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Thessaly recognizes that sustainable tourism depends on the responsible management of natural and cultural landscapes. Through education and outreach, the University will:
1. Develop and deliver educational programmes and workshops on sustainable land use for tourism.
2. Provide training to local communities, tourism professionals, and public authorities on environmental stewardship.
3. Support interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange on tourism, ecology, and regional planning.
4. Promote eco-friendly practices in hospitality, infrastructure, and visitor management.
5. Encourage participatory approaches in tourism planning that include community voices and environmental safeguards.
6. Disseminate educational materials and promote sustainability certifications for tourism enterprises.
5. Implementation Responsibilities
The Departments of Spatial Planning, Urban Planning and Regional Development, Environmental Forestry, Wood Sciences and Design, and Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, in collaboration with the Sustainability Committee and the Lifelong Learning Center, is responsible for policy implementation. Specific duties include:
– Designing and delivering professional education and training programmes in sustainable tourism and land management (Lifelong Learning Center).
– Organizing conferences, seminars, and fieldwork related to sustainable destinations.
– Establishing partnerships with municipalities, regional tourism boards, and NGOs.
– Integrating sustainability modules into existing tourism and geography curricula.
– Monitoring programme participation, outreach impact, and public engagement outcomes.
6. Monitoring and Reporting
Monitoring will be based on the following indicators:
– Number of educational and outreach programmes delivered.
– Number of participants trained (by sector and demographic).
– Documented examples of local or regional impact (e.g., adoption of sustainable land-use practices).
– Collaborative projects initiated with external partners.
Results will be included in the University’s Annual Sustainability Report and reported to international ranking frameworks under SDG 8, SDG 12, and SDG 15.
7. Review and Amendment
This policy will be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if required by new legislation, sustainability frameworks, or institutional strategic objectives. Proposed amendments will be prepared by the Sustainability Committee in consultation with relevant faculties and approved by the Senate.
8. References and Compliance Frameworks
– Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) – ESG Standards
– UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8, SDG 12, SDG 15)
– EU Green Deal and Sustainable Tourism Strategy
– Greek National Tourism Strategy 2030
– European Landscape Convention (2000)