EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL FOR SPELEOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN GREECE fully adapted to the specific living conditions and are very easily disturbed by the changes occurring in the cave environment (Παπαθανάσογλου & Παινέση, 2006). The most characteristic feature of caves is their decoration, i.e., stalactites and stalagmites, which create unique formations and attract the interest of visitors. The biological activity of caves in conjunction with the paleontological and archaeological remains that are very often found in caves as well as in the excellent, impressive and unique decor, make them “living museums”. Thus, caves, besides their purely geological importance, are extremely interesting from a paleontological, biological, archaeological, historical, folkloric and aesthetical point of view. Also, although it is not widely known in Greece, there are caves which are interesting due to their thermal properties. According to studies, the environment of caves has thermal properties, thanks to the trace elements of their microclimate. For example, the cave of St. George in Kilkis is a typical example, studied by Czech scientists in 1987 and 1997, proving that the visit to it may help in treating childhood asthma, as well as dermatological diseases. (Ανιχνευτές, 2014). Greece stands out for its wide spread of limestone rocks (60%), which explains the creation of a very large number of caves [more than 10,000 acknowledged caves, while there is a great possibility that at least that many others exist, but are still unknown] (Παπαθανάσογλου & Παινέση, 2006). In Greece, interest in caves began after 1920. The first institution that realized the importance of caves to the national economy and tourism and undertook the exploitation of caves was the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), often in cooperation with the Greek Speleological Society. In the 1960s the tourism development of caves began (caves in Diros – Laconia, cave in Paiania) so that man would appreciate the greatness of nature and at the same time boost economic development in the areas where these caves are located. 3. THE RESEARCH Research was carried through aiming at finding out exactly how caves are exploited in Greece. Legal databases were used, of ministries and other institutions, to determine the current institutional framework for the protection of caves in Greece in conjunction with International Conventions of Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritage. Research was made through the Government Gazette (www.et.gr), the legal site lawdb.intrasoftnet.com, the data base
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