Sustainable and Balanced Development of Insular Space: the Case of Greece

Islands, as unique ecosystems, are characterized by a particular sensitivity that affects all the fundamental dimensions of the sustainable development. Thus, highlighting the particularities of the operation of these ecosystems is of considerable importance. This helps to determine the factors and limitations of stability regarding insular ecosystems. All these issues are analysed in this paper. Since they are related to a case study of the Greek insular space, the formulation of a strategic framework for the sustainable and balanced development of the islands is discussed. This strategy is structured by specific priority axes that aim at tackling limitations and expanding the production base, as well as social development. The policies and mechanisms put in place in order to facilitate these priorities are presented too, as well as the necessary supportive and institutional actions. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.