UC in Crete 2003: Keeping an Island from Being Loved to Death

UC and the Mediterranean island of Crete have long-standing ties that go back to 1999. Almost every summer since, students and faculty have labored to turn the tide for this tourist hot spot whose popularity has come at a steep economic and environmental price.

Date: 7/22/2003 12:00:00 AM
By: Mary Reilly
Phone: (513) 556-1824

Photos By: Lisa Ventre

Since 1999, University of Cincinnati faculty and students have been laboring on the largest of the Greek islands to transform tourism, enlarge the business base, and preserve the environment as well as the ancient culture. The UC-Crete connection is a long-term one and a model for many parts of the world -- wherever captivating beauty, charm and history attract large numbers of tourists. Though tourism often provides an economic boost, it also brings challenges that many locales -- whether in Greece or elsewhere -- are unprepared for: choking traffic congestion, pollution, shortages of potable water, dilution of native traditions and cultures, and loss of economic diversity.

The University of Cincinnati's work in Crete represents the university's commitment to its Globalization Initiative which seeks to prepare students for the challenges and complexity of life in the new millennium while mobilizing UC's wide array of expertise and professionalism to serve our neighbors, whether those close to home or a half a world away.

To read this summer’s reports and letters sent back by students currently in Crete, click on the links below:

Overview of plans and progress for 2003, includes link to past coverage
First letter home from Crete: Summer 2003
Second letter home from Crete: Walking through a postcard
First presentations made to the local municipality: Summer 2003
Mapping out a new future for interior villages
Follow-up report to summer 2003

There’s more. From the year 2000, we have an extensive report with photos.