The Ionian Island Region (IIR) is a geographical section with specific borders, area, population and headquarters. It consists of 32 islands, of which 13 are populated: Othoni, Erikousa, Mathraki, Kerkira, Paxi, Antipaxi, Lefkada, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Ithaki, Kefalonia and Zakinthos. The above islands are spread along the western side of the Greek mainland, forming an island bridge which joins Greece, and by extension the East, with Italy and Western Europe. Hence, IIR forms an insular cluster in an environmentally sensitive area, which is characterized by increased sea traffic, fishing grounds of high interest both to Greek and other fleets (e.g. Italian, Albanian), and high touristic activity. The geomorphological position of our Region places it within interconnected sea channels, ie, the Ionian Sea, the Adriatic Sea and the Mediterranean area.
IIR is a public body that forms an independent decentralized Administrative Unit of the Greek Government. A staff of around 270 employees of higher education covers an extensive scope of expertise, such as geology, environmental engineering, agriculture, animal farming, fish farming, rural topography, mechanical, electrical, chemical and civil engineering, electronics, informatics, infrastructure engineering, chemical engineering, food technology, health & welfare, social service, organization and administration of local authorities and financial planning and management. Its main competence is to plan, program, coordinate and implement the National Policies for the financial, social and cultural development of the region. Additionally, RII has a strong background of cooperation with other Adriatic countries, especially Italy, in the framework of EU funded projects (eg. DEMSNIISI, BioGAIA, ΟΤRIONS, ΒΙΟΟLEA), related to cross-border collaboration, with a focus on environmental-related issues. IIR is participating in two EU-funded projects, that are related to cross-border MSP:
- "Network of the Lower Adriatic Marinas (Νet L.A.M.)", whose objective is to realize a permanent net of integrated and quality services in the Low Adriatic, that can connect the existing port structures in the involved territories, to allow the improvement of the quality and the safety of the available services and the development of a cross-border tourist circuit related to the recreational yachting sector.
- Implementing Seaplanes System in Adriatic Basin (ADRI-SEAPLANES), aiming to create the best conditions for the set up of stable connections through a common seaplane system.
Description of Personnel Involved in the Project
Spiridon Spirou
Governor of the Region. A doctor, by profession, Mr Spirou has been elected in the position of the Governor in 2010. He has been very active in the political scenery of Greece, since 1984, and been appointed by the Greek Government and/or opposition in positions related to Tourism and Social Affairs.
Konstantinos Skordilis
BSc /PhD in Environmental Chemistry, MSc in Information Systems, Director of Environment and Spatial Planning in the Regional Administration of Ionian Islands. Environmental audits, Environmental Assessment Studies, Spatial Planning, Water Resources Management, Environmental Projects Management, Interreg Projects Management.
Stamatios Ghinis
Director of Rural Economy. Biologist. Mr Ghinis had worked in the Ministry of Education and Agriculture, and he is head of the Directorate of Rural Economy at the Region of Ionian Islands. He was been participating and managing EU-funded projects regarding environmental issues in the area and fisheries in specific.
Ethalia Lazaridou
PhD in Marine Ecology. Region of Ionian Islands/Regional Unit of Corfu, Directorate of Environment and Spatial Planning. Scientific responsible and stuff member of several EU and national research projects certain of which dealing with Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Management of MPAs. Scientific Co-Responsible in the designation of the Greek Natura-2000 network projects (1994-2002). National expert for the SPAMIs (Protocols 4 and 6 of Barcelona Convention) (1994-2002).
Contact Details
Official address: Alikes Potamou, 49100 Corfu, Greece
T: (+30) 2661039606, F: (+30) 2661032525, E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., W: http://www.pin.gov.gr
Contact person responsible for the organisation of the project’s work (the coordinator): Name: Konstantinos Skordilis, E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
