Ecosystem Services: Contribution of Natura 2000 network in the economy and society of Crete
Maria Kozyraki, Decentralized Administration Authority of Crete, Heraklion (GR)
As beneficiary to an ongoing LIFE program entitled "The ecological services, social benefits and economic value of the Ecosystem Services in NATURA 2000 sites in Crete”, the Decentralized Administration Authority of Crete carried out a survey study that led to an information update and establishment of a Clearing-house Mechanism for the NATURA 2000 network in Crete. The overall aim was to establish a framework that links ecology with economy in the protected natural areas and to evaluate the services already provided in the case study of a mountainous National Park.