This department focuses on contributing to a re-imagined sense of tourism that considers how to engage in tourism and economic development that is environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and in the common interest and vision of the island communities. The department together with national and international experts anticipates engaging with a cross section of islanders to work towards a sustainable tourism future that fits the needs of the island and can serve as good practices for others in the region and beyond.
In relation to the environment, the department is actively building up marine ecology and environmental research programing that involves and trains local young people with the aim to produce data relevant for informing local, national, and global ecology related policy planning.
Pharos Institute, in partnership with the Boz Life Science Research and Teaching Institute (San Diego, CA, USA; www.bozinstitute.org), is undertaking marine ecology and environmental research programing. A pilot research project is part of a Boz Institute initiative “Environmental Impact on Species Diversity: Collaborative International Research, STEM Education and Global Policy Program," Hvar high school students led by their chemistry teacher will join Boz Institute researchers to perform an ecological risk assessment study utilizing marine mussel metagenomics and targeted sea water chemistry analysis of samples collected at six sites along the coast of Hvar. This effort is focused on preserving marine biodiversity, and promoting STEM education.See https://bozinstitute.org/research/projects/research-collaborations/ for more information.
Pharos Institute in partnership with the City of Stari Grad is embarking on developing a Sustainable Tourism Strategy for the City as based on Croatian 2023 legislation. During 2024, working closely with the community and City, the aim of the project is to develop a new way of thinking and planning for tourism that benefits the community, economy, and environment of the Stari Grad area. This strategic plan will provide a basis for coherent development of tourist and city planning for the years to come.
Working with partner, Danijel Knežević (University of Algebra), this project anticipates holding workshops to develop financial literacy among the local population.
Pharos Institute working in partnership with the Faculty of Economics Zagreb, Department of Trade and International Business, this project is envisioned as a series of workshops that will connect tourism stakeholders with island producers of agricultural products and crafts.
Pharos Institute in cooperation with the Agency for the Management of Starograksi Polje will work with students majoring in Tourism - Zagreb Faculty of Economics, as part of the Tourism and Environment course to design additional content for tourists.
“ The Institute is…connecting the history with what we are and what we want to leave behind for future generations; It is about the past, present, and the emerging. ”