On November 25, 2024, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature hosted the workshop “Climate Challenges 2025” in Athens. The event focused on addressing the climate crisis through three critical pillars: tourism, cities, and education. Among the keynote speakers was Maria Damanaki, co-founder of Leading Women for the Ocean (LWO), who highlighted the importance of sustainable practices and governance in tackling the challenges posed by climate change.
Maria Damanaki’s Key Insights on Tourism and Sustainability
Representing LWO, Maria Damanaki spoke about the critical role of tourism in Greece’s economy. She warned against over-reliance on tourism as a mono-productive industry, emphasising the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Investing in infrastructure and environmental capital is economically beneficial and enhances the sustainability of the tourism product,” Maria noted, underscoring the need for long-term planning.
She also called attention to the lack of spatial planning in Greece, advocating for stricter compliance with laws and the fulfillment of promises to ensure more sustainable development practices.
Optimism for the Future
Despite the challenges, Maria expressed hope for change, highlighting the growing environmental awareness among younger generations. She also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable solutions.
Aligning with LWO’s Mission
Maria’s intervention at “Climate Challenges 2025” aligns with the LWO’s mission of empowering women’s voices in ocean governance and advancing sustainability. Her advocacy underscores how balanced development, environmental responsibility, and inclusivity are key to addressing the climate crisis—values that are central to the LWO network.
By engaging in events like this, LWO demonstrates its commitment to fostering sustainable solutions across industries, ensuring that gender perspectives and environmental priorities are integral to global discussions.
