![\"alonissos\"](\"http:\/\/www.travel-zone-greece.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/alonissos-e1492605180211.png\")
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Already known across the globe for its efforts in protecting its natural habitat, preserving its rich architectural tradition as well as for its energy-saving schemes and of course for being a habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus, Alonissos is protected under the EU\u2019s Natura program.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlonissos without Plastic Bags\u201d<\/em> in an initiative that aims to significantly reduce the use of plastic bags on the island with local professionals not ordering plastic bags anymore and consumers opting for paper or reusable cloth bags instead.<\/p>\n Local nature groups, including the Mediterranean SOS Network and MOm, are currently distributing cotton bags, holding workshops, seminars and awareness-raising events as part of the campaign.<\/p>\n This initiative is getting more important by the fact that it is estimated that an average consumer in Greece uses approximately 242 plastic bags each year \u2013this is quite a number. In the meantime, EU countries will be expected by the end of 2018 to charge extra for plastic bags in efforts to discourage their use.<\/p>\n All these reasons have brought Alonissos being the only Greek destination among the world\u2019s Top 100 Sustainable Destinations in 2016 \u2013 a distinction awarding efforts of international tourism locations for responsible and sustainable projects, such as Green Destinations in collaboration with Quality Coast, TravelMole\u2019s, Vision for Sustainable Tourism, Sustainable Travel International and GSTC.<\/p>\n The nomination process was carried out online followed by an assessment procedure by a team of experts of more than 15 relevant criteria, including efforts by destination authorities to ensure sustainable practices that are to the benefit of local communities, visitors and the world.<\/p>\n Alonissos\u2019s commitment to sustainable practices and policies was also recognized during Mediterranean Panorama 2017 held in Stockholm with an adding award.<\/p>\n Alonissos has managed to become not only one of the country\u2019s \u201cgreenest\u201d islands but also a destination promoting nature activities and sustainable tourism.<\/p>\n <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"alonissos-agios-dimitrios-beach\"](\"http:\/\/www.travel-zone-greece.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/alonissos-agios-dimitrios-beach-e1492605519985.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Alonissos\"](\"http:\/\/www.travel-zone-greece.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Alonissos-e1492605576544.jpg\")
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