Title: A proposal for a modern and progressive environmental protection strategy based upon ancient Greek criteria relative to natural resources

Authors: Ioannis K. Kalavrouziotis, Christos A. Tsekos, Theofanis C. Hortis, Panagiotis A. Drakatos

Addresses: Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management in Agrninio, University of Ioannina, G. Seferi 2, 30100, Agrinio, Greece. ' Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management in Agrninio, University of Ioannina, G. Seferi 2, 30100, Agrinio, Greece. ' Professor Emeritus of Community Health, University St. Cloud State, Min. 56301-4498, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory of Special Mechanical Engineering 26500, Patras, Greece

Abstract: The Ancient Greeks studied the hydrological and geological resources from numerous perspectives (mythological, philosophical, and scientific) while striving to maintain a searching, yet critical, attitude relative to these resources so basic for life in general and for development and progress. Above all else, nonetheless, it appears that they came to appreciate their interconnectedness stressing their value and their enormous collective significance in any attempt towards regional development, economic activity expansion, and ultimately the evolution of a significant civilization. The very fact that throughout human history, major civilizations flourished near rivers is indicative of the importance of water in promotion of all types of human activities (economic, productive, cultural). Proof of this is that the Ancient Athenian civilization rose and triumphed in the area between the deified rivers of Kifisos and Ilissos, which from time immemorial have irrigated the Attica plain. Today, in contemporary Greece, environmental strategy aims at the sustainable management and use of natural resources, soil and water included; toward the effective protection and husbandry of protected areas; and at the adoption of sound administrative approaches in the preservation of all natural and cultural monuments.

Keywords: natural resources; Ancient Greeks; environmental strategy; environmental protection; geological resources; hydrological resources; regional development; economic growth; civilization; sustainable resource management; cultural preservation.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2005.053938

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2005 Vol.7 No.1, pp.116 - 129

Published online: 13 May 2013 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article