Objectives:
The project “Evaluation of Entrance Fee Policy and Socioeconomic Impacts at the Alonissos-Northern Sporades National Marine Park” aims to ensure that the national water park’s pricing model is both economically sound and socially responsible, with direct benefits flowing back to the community that supports and sustains it. The main objectives of the project are to:
- Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the entrance fee policy implemented in the A Zone of the Alonissos-Northern Sporades National Marine Park over the past three years. The evaluation will focus on assessing the impact of the policy on local tourism, economic activity, and social dynamics while considering external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and transportation connectivity. (Task 1)
- Develop a sustainable and equitable pricing model for a national water park by integrating ecosystem services valuation (ESV) and social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA). Additionally, the analysis will also determine the appropriate proportion of park-generated profits to be reinvested into the local community. (Task 2)
- Actively involve stakeholders in co-creation workshops, ensuring the pricing and revenue allocation strategies reflect the values and needs of all relevant parties. (Task 3)
Task 1: Evaluation of Entrance Fee Policy and Visitor Impact
This task will assess the effectiveness of the entrance fee policy in protecting the ecological integrity of Zone A of the park and its influence on visitor patterns, particularly on the number of recreational boats and tourists visiting the area. Moreover, we will evaluate the socioeconomic impacts of the entrance fee policy on the local community, focusing on its effects on local businesses, employment, and overall economic activity in the region.
Task 2: Ecosystem Services Valuation and Social Cost-Benefit Analysis
This task will conduct a comprehensive ecosystem services valuation (ESV) to quantify the economic value of the park’s ecosystem services, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. Simultaneously, perform a social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) to evaluate the broader social, environmental, and economic impacts of various pricing strategies. The outcome will be used to set a fair and sustainable pricing model for the park.
Task 3: Stakeholder Involvement and Co-Creation Workshops
This Task aims to engage key stakeholders, including local communities, park management, environmental groups, tourists, and government officials, through a series of co-creation workshops. These workshops will be designed to gather input, build consensus, and co-develop the pricing and profit allocation strategies.
Deliverables:
- Comprehensive report on the ecosystem services valuation and social cost-benefit analysis.
- A proposed pricing model for the national water park, including a detailed breakdown of entry fees, activity charges, and other related costs.
- A recommendation for the percentage of park profits to be allocated to the local community.
- Workshop reports documenting stakeholder input and the co-created strategies.
- Finalized pricing and revenue allocation model, with stakeholder endorsement.
Duration: 9 months – November 2024 – August 2025
The study involves the Athens University of Economics and Business, with Professor Phoebe Koundouri as the Scientific Supervisor. Team members: Dr. Conrad Landis, Lydia Papadaki, Eirini Afentouli