Views of UC in Crete Photos by: Lisa Ventre Date: July 21, 2000 Archive: Research News For the second year in a row, 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. This sunset over the Sea of Crete goes a long way toward explaining Crete's popularity with tourists. Also popular with tourists is this illegal motocross area which threatens a nearby wetland. The interior village of Sfendyli will soon be lost beneath a new reservoir/lake which will, among other things, serve tourists interested in water sports. The villagers are hoping that their entire community can move as a unit to a new location, and are negotiating -- with help from the UC team in Crete -- for government assistance that will allow them to do so. Also with help from the UC team, they are hoping for compensation for their lost land. UC's Impact on Crete Brenda Scheer, associate professor of planning, shows a model of a proposed seafront plaza to a local shop owner. Assisting with the construction of the model was UC student Sean Bender who was part of the UC team working in Crete this summer. Hersonissos Mayor Zacharias Doxastakis, supporter of the UC team in Crete, laughs when he receives a photo of himself at the University of Cincinnati this past spring. He's laughing because he thinks the Cincinnati photo of him is such a serious one, and he's a mayor who's almost always laughing and smiling. The remains of this Roman aqueduct is part of the UC-proposed Heritage Corridor. Greek interpreter Manos Karatzas, left, wearing his new UC cap and shirt, gifts from a grateful UC team. At right is UC student Mike Brachat who participated in the research. For a complete list of stories related to UC's research in Crete, go to http://www.uc.edu/crete/credef.htm.