Content

Natural resources are fundamental to the economy, development and prosperity. They provide raw materials, energy, water, land, food, as well as environmental and social ser-vices. However, current patterns of natural resource use, production, consumption and waste generation are not sustainable. The earth has finite resources and their reckless and irrational management undermines the environment, water resources, soil resources, eco-system services and biodiversity.

Introduction and interpretation of the terms Sustainable Development. The Institutional Framework (European and Greek) and the goals for Sustainable Development. International Conferences on Sustainable Development (Stockholm Conference, Brundland Report, Rio Conference, Habitat Agenda, etc.). Basic objectives and implementation of Local Agenda 21. Policies and Actions of the European Union and Greece for Sustainable Development.

The sustainable management of natural resources and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is essential for their preservation and availability for future gen-erations.

Thematic Units:

1. Introduction and Definitions,

2. Natural Resources (categories, basic concepts),

3. Introduction to Sustainable Development,

4. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

5. Exhaustible and Renewable Natural Resources,

6. Soil as a Natural Resource

7. Water as a Natural Resource (dams, environment and development)

8. Management and optimal use of Natural Resources,

9. Natural Resources and climate crisis,

10. Circular Economy,

11. Renewable Energy Sources, Biomass, Geothermal Energy and Agriculture

12. Pollution and protection - environmental restoration

13. Management of natural resources in Greece

Learning results

The aim of the course is:

students' understanding of the terms natural resources,
familiarity with the categories of natural resources,
understanding of the risks that threaten natural resources and their necessity in agriculture,
understanding of the concept and goals of Sustainable Development,
understanding the impacts of the climate crisis on natural resources and
especially to consolidate the importance of sustainable management of natural resources for achieving the goals of Sustainable Development.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

understand natural resources.
Define the concept and content of Sustainable Development
evaluate the contribution of Sustainable Development to the management of natural resources
analyze the new trends and standards that are being formed in the world and Europe regarding Sustainable Development
acquire knowledge about natural resource management issues.

• Acquire critical and creative thinking in the protection and restoration of the environment

Bibliography

Suggested Bibliography in Greek Language:

• Polyzos S. (2025). Natural Resources Management and Sustainable Development. Tziola Publications, ISBN 978-960-418-740-9.

• Mitoula, R., Astara, O. & Kaldis, P. (2008) "Sustainable Development - Concepts, International & European Dimensions", Rosili Publications, Athens.

• Handbook of sustainable development/edited by Giles Atkinson, Simon Dietz, Eric Neumayer. ISBN 978 1 84376 577 6

• Vlachou A. (2001). Environment and Natural Resources. Economic Theory and Policy. Kritiki Publications, ISBN 9789602182390

• Hatzimpiros K. (2009). Green Development. Directions for Progressive Governance, D. Xenakis (ed.). Papazisis Publications, Athens.

Mitoula, R. (2006). Sustainable Regional Development in the European Union & Reconstruction of the Greek Urban Environment, Stamoulis Publications, Athens.

Suggested bibliography in English Language:

• Handbook of sustainable development/edited by Giles Atkinson, Simon Dietz, Eric Neumayer. ISBN 978 1 84376 577 6

• European Commission DG ENV, Analysis of the Key Contributions to Resource Efficiency, Final report March 2011

• ΕΕΑ – European Environment Agency (2015). SOER 2015 — The European environment — state and outlook 2015. European Environment Agency, Copenhagen. ISBN 978-92-9213-515-7.

Additional teaching material:

• - Teacher's notes

Web Υπηρεσίες

NEWSLETTER

The Department was created in 2019 (article 20, Law 4589/2019) and is an evolution of the Supply Systems Management Department (D.S.E.). Housed in a 770 sq.m. building. within a plot with a total area of 8,000 sq.m. in facilities with extensive research and teaching spaces.