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2023-2024 Trails of History and Nature: Developing ecological materials for an ecotourism hiking network on the Aegean Island of Naxos (Greece)
Project Description: The Cycladic Islands in Greece are a prominent international destination currently grappling with the environmental and sustainable effects of mass tourism and overgrazing. Despite this, tourism presents a key opportunity for locals and a vital step in fostering ecotourism. Specifically, Naxos, situated within a globally significant biodiversity hotspot, boasts various topography, abundant endemic species, and a wealth of cultural and historical resources. The island offers a promising canvas for the development of hiking tourism, through the help of an ancient trail network. However, the potential benefits of ecotourism on the island remain greatly untapped due to a scarcity of accessible information to guide, attract, and educate visitors. This project's research objective is to develop natural and cultural materials, including featured flora and fauna species, archaeological sites, and other helpful local information to provide visitors with a fulfilling, sustainable, and holistic hiking experience. With the information we gathered through hiking on those ancient trails and the assistance of geographic techniques, we developed trail and species descriptions along with a guidebook that will inform visitors of what they can expect, how they can prepare, and offer lodging options. By the development of a model for ecotourism initiatives, this project envisions economic growth not only within the Mediterranean region but globally as well. Sustainable hiking activities enhance rich cultural and ecological diversity and benefit local communities.
Dominique Valentine
Masters Project Student
domival@umich.edu
Research Interests:
Dominique is interested in studying how human communities' continual growth and expansion impact the surrounding wildlife population and systems. Her master's project is “Trails of History and Nature: Developing ecological materials for an ecotourism hiking network on the Aegean Island of Naxos (Greece).” Here, she is involved in the collaborative effort to devise ecological resources and sustainability protocols for the Island of Naxos, Greece. She specifically focuses on the collection of ecological information on species. She aspires to build a career as a wildlife ecologist and social scientist who remains acutely aware of the environmental context.
Simrin Dhillon
Masters Project Student
@umich.edu
Research Interests:
Simrin is interested in studying water scarcity issues and hydrology, specifically through a global perspective on the dynamics of water resources and human geography. She has worked as a Research Assistant for the Environmental Geopolitics Research Group, studying human relationships with their political and physical environments.
Haoting Gao
Masters Project Student
domival@umich.edu
Research Interests:
Haoting's research focuses on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive technologies (AR/VR) to enhance human-computer interaction (HCI) and to augment social interactions in AR or VR environments. Specifically, he is exploring the integration of AI-powered avatars into immersive digital replicas of historical sites, such as the Temple of Demeter on the Greek island of Naxos. His research aims to advance HCI through the creation of immersive educational experiences while contributing to the broader fields of cultural heritage preservation, interactive digital learning, social identity computing, and digital twins.
Peiwen Li
Masters Project Student
peiwenli@umich.edu
Research Interests:
Peiwen did a capstone project with three other SEAS Master's student focusing on conservation planning and ecological design. She is broadly interested in how to apply ecology principles to design and planning projects. She is now working as a caretaker at the Nichols Arboretum. She has served as an instructor for the Planting Design course.
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