Plenary Lecture

Institutions and the protection of the manmade and natural environment- The case of the Greek Ombudsman

ELENI STAMATIOU
Dr. Architect-Town Planner, Adjunct Professor at the Hellenic Open University
144 Amfitheas Ave, Athens 17562, Greece
e-mail: rlacroix@otenet.gr

Abstract: The Greek Ombudsman is a constitutionally established independent authority. It started operations on October 1st 1998 and provides its services to all citizens free of charge. Its mission is to mediate between the public administration and private individuals, in order to protect the latter’s rights, to ensure the former’s compliance with the rule of law, and to combat maladministration.
The Department of Quality of Life handles cases involving breaches of environmental legislation, the degradation of the natural environment, illegal housing development and cultural heritage matters, and questions surrounding the more general degradation of the quality of life.
In the current article we will refer to examples of the Greek Ombudsman confirming occasional maladministration in Greek public administrations, presenting methods and successful examples of the ombudsman’s intervention and proposals it has made for the modernization and updating of the public administration, with purpose the protection and more efficient management of the manmade environment. An attempt is made at evaluating the sum of the contribution of the Greek Ombudsman’s Quality of Life Department in the above mentioned issues.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Dr Eleni N. Stamatiou, Architect-Engineer NTUA, MSc Regional Development, Dr. in Town & Spatial Planning (PHD, PPHD). Completed her studies with Scholarships of the Greek State (IKY). Professional Experience (since 1989), Scientific, Teaching and Research Experience (since 1997) from overseas and in Greece (Assoc Professor at the University of Thessaly, Professor (ΣΕΠ) at the Hellenic Open University / Post Graduate program, National School of Public Administration, etc.), Vice President of the Greek Regionalists Association(ΣΕΠ).
She has lectured at several Greek Universities (NTUA, Harokopeio University, National School of Public Administration, etc.) and was invited to speak in several overseas Universities (in France, Russia, U.K. and USA) has been and continues to oversea Masters and Doctors degrees in addition to being a member of the professors exams committee (National School of Public Administration, Hellenic Open University, etc.). She has taught numbers of training seminars to adults with a degree, for higher company and Ministerial executives etc. She has overseen and published several books and published articles in Greek, English, Russian and French. Member of the Editorial Board of scientific publications and journals. Participation and co-authorship in the creation of university graduate study programs. Member of Greek, French, European and International Associations (UIA, SFA, ECTP, ERSA, etc.). Fundamental and instrumental active participation in International scientific committees in Europe and the USA (INRECON, ENVIRON, etc.). Member of Scientific organizations and representative for Greece in International forums and programs (with the Russian Research Institute of Land Planning, The Russian Academy of Social Sciences, etc.). Co-editor and session-chief in International conferences of the Greek Regionalists Association. National Representative for Greece of ΣΑΔΑΣ (Association of Greek Architects) at the European Council of Architects (ACE) / ‘‘Urban issues’’. Participation as principal member of scientific organizations and committees (Evaluation of European town-planning awards ECTP, etc.). Member of work groups, Member of the Permanent Arbitration Committee (2006-2007) and Domain Expert of the Technical Chamber of Greece (ΤΕΕ). Her Scientific and professional Interests concern subjects of architecture, spatial and regional planning and related legislation, regional development, environmental management, cultural and built environment, sustainable development, etc., these principles she applied and promoted successfully throughout her professional career through her many held managerial positions (as member of the board, senior scientist, etc.). She is married to the IT Consultant / International Researcher Richard-Nicolas LACROIX and they have a 6 year old son.