Year of Award

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Environmental Studies

Department or School/College

W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation

Committee Chair

Dr. Robin Saha

Commitee Members

Dr. Robin Saha (chair), Dr. Daniel Spencer, Dr. Sarah Halvorson

Keywords

public beach access, island overtourism, environmental justice, Greece, Paros, sustainable tourism

Subject Categories

Environmental Studies

Abstract

This thesis examines how tourism development affects public beach access on the island of Paros, Greece. In recent years, Paros has experienced significant tourism growth, which has contributed to economic development while also placing pressure on natural resources, infrastructure, and coastal spaces. Beaches are protected as public goods under the Greek constitution; however, there are concerns regarding commercialization, overcrowding, and the illegal privatization of these public spaces. This thesis uses a qualitative research approach to explore how these changes are experienced and understood by different stakeholder groups. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in Paros in July 2025. Participants included long-term residents, activists, municipal representatives, and a coastal business owner. Secondary data employed a locally authored book and selected Facebook posts related to the Paros Citizens’ Movement. All data were analyzed using thematic analysis across four key themes: infrastructure development, public beach access, transportation concerns, and government roles and policy. The findings show that tourism development is widely recognized as both beneficial and challenging. While it has improved economic opportunities and infrastructure, it has also contributed to environmental strain, increased crowding, and pressure on public beach access. Long-term residents and activists often describe growing difficulties related to commercialization and reduced space for public use, while business and municipal perspectives tend to emphasize economic benefits and the importance of management and regulation. These differences highlight how tourism impacts are experienced unevenly across stakeholder groups. This thesis shows that public beach access on Paros is not only a physical issue but also a social and political one shaped by development patterns, governance, and local activism. The findings highlight the importance of balancing tourism growth with environmental sustainability and equitable access to shared coastal resources.

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