Sustainable development and environmental education in natura 2000 areas. A vision of the mountain of pantokratoras for Corfu and the local community

Sustainable development is a key tool for the management of areas with natural and cultural wealth. Particularly in protected areas, the sustainable use of natural resources enables the rational use of environmental resources and environmental awareness, both for the protection from increased tourism and for mild development of downgraded areas. Land planning in such areas is a tool for controlling the intensive use of resources and for creating appropriate infrastructure. This paper explores the perceptions and attitudes of the local community of the region of Pantokratoras, in north Corfu, Greece, on the development of ecotourism and on environmental education, as well as the residents´ general attitude towards sustainable development in an area, part of which is included in the Natura 2000 and is ideal for alternative tourism and environmental education. The strong development of tourism in Corfu and coastal areas will inevitably lead to an uncontrolled growth of the Pantokratoras mountain. Using questionnaires, this study investigates: a) the degree of awareness of the local community in protecting and preserving the environment, b) the knowledge of the local population on sustainable development, and c) the willingness of the local community to be active in sustainable tourism development plans. The analysis of the questionnaires shows the local community is interested in the protection and conservation of natural and cultural resources, while it also believes that sustainable tourism development is the ideal model for economic revitalizing and retaining local population.