21st century Santorini - tourism, resilience, identity and the future. Public awareness as the focus of NTUA pedagogics

Abstract

The School of Architecture of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) has over the past four years and within its academic discipline developed educational programs in order to raise awareness on the challenges jeopardizing the future of the island of Santorini. The much-advertised island is presently being overloaded by tourism and lacks a comprehensive plan for the sustainable management of its resources. Among the main risks and hazards threatening Santorini are natural causes (volcanic activity, earthquakes), ecological causes (toxic materials, waste management) as well as the overuse of its natural and cultural resources. The island’s resilience is closely linked to the preservation of its natural uniqueness and the sustainability of its cultural landscape.