Project overview
CAMP Rhodes was one of the first pilot applications aimed to establish integrated coastal planning and management processes capable of addressing increasing environmental pressures linked to tourism development, urbanisation, pollution, and infrastructure expansion.
The project was implemented in three phases. The first phase focused on preparatory activities and data collection regarding the island’s ecosystems and development pressures. During the second phase several sectoral studies and planning activities were developed and integrated into a comprehensive planning framework for the island. The third phase further strengthened implementation through support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union within the METAP framework.
Key objectives
Building on the initial pilot phase, the project enabled an integrated assessment of environmental and development challenges on the island:
- establish a framework for integrated coastal planning and management
- improve knowledge of coastal and marine ecosystems through monitoring and data collection
- assess impacts of tourism growth and urban development on the coastal environment
- develop development-environment scenarios to support sustainable planning
- analyse pollution sources and liquid waste management needs
- assess potential impacts of climate change on coastal areas and infrastructure
- strengthen institutional coordination among national, regional, and local authorities
- introduce GIS tools and technical training for coastal management
Main results
- integrated planning: prepared the Integrated Planning Study for the Island of Rhodes, combining sectoral analyses and development scenarios.
- policy support: generated environmental and socio-economic data to support sustainable coastal development policies and long-term planning.
- environmental management: improved understanding of pollution pressures, wastewater management needs, and ecosystem vulnerabilities.
- capacity building: strengthened technical capacities through GIS training and integrated coastal management methodologies.
- international cooperation: mobilised support from the European Investment Bank and the European Union for follow-up environmental planning activities.
Follow-up
The CAMP Rhodes project established one of the earliest integrated coastal management experiences in the Mediterranean and contributed to the wider development of CAMP methodologies later applied across the region. The project demonstrated the importance of combining environmental protection with spatial planning and economic development on small islands heavily dependent on tourism.
The experiences and methodologies developed in Rhodes influenced future CAMP projects and supported broader implementation of ICZM principles within the Mediterranean Action Plan framework.
Partnership
- Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works of Greece
- UNEP/MAP – Barcelona Convention system:
- MAP Coordinating Unit
- PAP/RAC
- MEDPOL
- SPA/RAC
- Blue Plan Regional Activity Centre
- European Investment Bank (EIB)
- European Union – METAP Programme
- National, regional, and local institutions and experts in Greece