The Legacy of ECOSERT

Inter-regional Level The RESTP methodology and the application of EMAS, as expressed through their respective guidelines are the main legacies of ECOSERT at inter-regional level. The RESTP guidelines, as a necessary response to the current piecemeal and spatially fragmented approach to tourism planning, can now be used in other European regions by planning authorities wishing to network with several local authorities and actors and beneficiaries to formulate sustainable, fully integrated tourism policies at a spatial level. In a similar vein the EMAS Guidelines can also be used, in conjunction or as part of the RESTP Guidelines, by other authorities in Europe to set targets and measure environmental impacts on tourist destinations and attractions. The setting up of this methodology was a major aim and ultimate result of ECOSERT. Continued promotion of the RESTP methodology and EMAS has been assured through various publications at international conferences and exhibitions. Intra-regional Level In accordance with the aims set out at the feasibility stage of ECOSERT, the RESTPs in each partner region will likely be implemented, due to their endorsements by relevant local planning committees and further commitments to carry out the plan's recommendations over its 20 year horizon. In Greece inter-regional co-operation and the RESTP guidelines and EMAS guide have created unique opportunities to pursue sustainable tourism projects throughout the region. The setting up of a new company to manage and promote the Pelion Railway was one example of a project that could now be taken forward and expanded. The Magnesia RESTP meanwhile will be used as an important planning tool for the sub-region, given the importance of tourism to this part of Greece. The plan will be endorsed by the Council of the Prefecture of Magnesia in 2003. In the Dee Estuary the RESTP will be submitted for approval to four local councils in 2003 with a view of endorsing its policies and integrating the recommendations within respective local plans. Networking among the DEP partners is set to continue as part of the RESTPs implementation and vis a vis the management of the sustainable demonstration projects. The DEP intend to make the RESTP a living plan with dissemination initiatives to make sure that the methodology can benefit other potential partner authorities. This will allow other regions in Europe to undertake similar initiatives to plan eco/cultural projects and devise a spatial strategy for tourism. The work undertaken for ECOSERT in Avellino Province has provided valuable experience and the RESTP could now be used to carry out important policies on tourism and environmental improvement in the sub-region. The RESTP will notably upgrade this isolated region's tourism base by promoting ecotourism and nature tourism as well as specific cultural circuits such as those based on religious and historical attractions and specialties of the region. The Council of the Provincia approved the RESTP on 18th May 2002 and proposed that its recommendations be reviewed as part of the Piano Territoriale di Coordinamento Provinciale Council. This is a key step in implementing the RESTP recommendations in the future, as would be commitments by local authorities to implement and integrate recommendations with statutory planning mechanisms (notably the Piano Regolatore Generale). These events now allow on-going work to be carried out on sustainable tourism after ECOSERT. Much of this work will be carried out through ECOSERT associate partners and actors and beneficiaries involved in the project including the World Wildlife Fund for Nature and local authorities. Future commitments have already been made for continuing the work of the RESTP and the intention to make the plan and its methodology a role model for other regions in Italy. The Provincia will strengthen the relationships established with the local authorities that participated in the Avellino RESTP (such as simplifying bureaucratic procedures to implement eco/cultural tourism projects). In addition to the above, all partners and actors and beneficiaries involved in the project are committed to carry out the actions recommended over the 20-year lifespan of the plan. This has been highlighted at various press conferences held in the regions. Beyond ECOSERT Notable developments beyond ECOSERT are: The follow-up to the "Declaration of Volos for Sustainable Development through Tourism" signed by the top elected representatives of the 3 regions on 5 September at the University of Thessaly, which committed first and second tier government authorities to working together towards comprehensive, spatial planning for sustainable tourism with environmental management of tourist destinations and activities. This encourages the participation of other local authorities throughout Europe to countersign this declaration and join in the establishment of a network of authorities working together for the sustainable development of tourism. Commitments on after-project financing from other revenue sources to extend, monitor and manage the local demonstration projects and undertake further local actions in accordance with the RESTP strategy. Commitments to promote the RESTP methodology at a pan-European level. Availability of a source of expertise to carry out similar actions in other regions of Europe. The above long-term commitments to carry out the recommendations of ECOSERT ensure the project's legacy is practical and accords with the latest EC initiatives on tourism planning notably including the 1999 Communication on Enhancing Tourism's Potential for Employment and Communication 665 of November 2001, Working Together for the Future of European Tourism. In particular, the ECOSERT Partnership based on: the concrete results of the RESTP Guidelines, planning experience and resulting strategies/plans, the action plans and completed pilot demonstration projects the EMAS innovative applications to tourism areas and activities, and associated Guide, and the "Declaration of Volos for Sustainable Development through Tourism" is in a very strong position to assist the EU institutions by contributing from the regional and local authorities viewpoint to the process that the Commission has initiated through the European Tourism Forum based on the Communication 665 and the resolutions of the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. In particular, the ECOSERT partnership can form the basis for the establishment of a "body based on partnership and political co-operation" recommended in Communication 665 (Annex 2: Working Group D), as the Declaration of Volos calls on regional and local authorities to establish a network for sustainable tourism by regional and local authorities.