PANEL 8 Paradise under threat: Safeguarding and enhancing the local cultural economy in rural landscapes of Mallorca, Crete, and Samoa

Islands with traditional villages and rural landscapes are major attractors to tourism. The heritage, local products and cultural landscapes are a significant part of the draw of visitors. However, it is these aspects of the island that, even if they are formally protected, often suffer from the high demands of tourism. Add the threats of climate change and you have places that suffer from unexpected interference with a way of life and a disturbance of a long lasting balance of human-nature relationships. Four themes run through the three papers and will be discussed from different angles – that of a stakeholder, a consultant, and a researcher. The first theme is that of the on-the-ground issues and losses that are caused by mass tourism overshadowing traditional local economies. Where are the opportunities to change this imbalance? The second theme is that of local-level decision-making in development projects. In most cases the voice of local stakeholders is weak or even non-existent. What can be done to reverse that reality? The third theme is that of land/nature disruptions caused by climate change, development decisions, or tourism pressures. How can the people-nature connection be better recognized and protected, especially with respect to livelihood? And the last theme is the current conflicts between the demands of the tourist/visitor and the needs of the local populations and local landscape. What needs to be done to benefit both the visitors and the local populations in a more equitable manner? The analysis of these four themes in three different landscapes is presented and several examples of local solutions are discussed. This session seeks to spark further discussion of possible solutions to the questions posed above