Connection and Utilization of Hiking Routes of the Regions of Western Macedonia and Epirus

The regions of Western Macedonia and Epirus are areas rich in natural beauty and biodiversity, authentic with high preservation of their traditional palimpsests. Authenticity, tradition, local architecture, forests, gorges, water and human stories make a varied puzzle of colors, textures, flavors, stories. Unique landscapes, with great alternations, complete the rich history of the place, as preserved by as many written testimonies as the structured environment or the rhythms of life in this spooky world of Greece.

It is proposed the thematic connection from Prespa to Central Zagori through Kastoria, Nestori, Grammos, Konitsa, with humble but also ambitious ideas, with spontaneity and methodology.

How is this connection suggested? With the emergence of hiking trails following both the Epirus Trail (Epirus), the European trail E6 (Western Macedonia) and other routes that history and locals have carved and walked in the past to the present day.

This promotion is based on both technology (website) and physical presentation activities (readings, competitions, festivals, trainings) in the context of a continuous presentation of all the resources of the areas along the paths.

The aim is to create a conduit - a flow of ideas, people, images, news through the path that is offered for it, since for each path the end is the land beyond. the flow. over there.

In other words Yonder!

Attracting young, conscious people who are looking for authentic experience.

The movement of the local economy in real and authentic terms as the hiker seeks the true in the daily life of the village.

The revitalization of the local economy and society through the emergence of social enterprises and new jobs. And so many other benefits, as long as (local communities) do the right thing.

The impersonation of themselves.

The Yonder Festival * was initiated by the civil society organizations, Epechina Chora, IASIS and European Expression, in order to support in the coming years over thousands of young people at national and European level to take initiatives, participate in the public and be informed for environmental issues promoting a new green lifestyle. It also invites visitors, hikers and tourists to discover the various manifestations and stimuli offered by Northern Greece and more specifically the Region of Western Macedonia and Epirus, so that these points become a green meeting point for young people. , but also people of all ages from Greece and abroad.

* The Yonder Festival is under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, INEDIVIM, regions of Central Macedonia, Western Macedonia, Epirus, municipalities of Zagori and Nestorio, National Olympic Academy, Panhellenic Union of TA ‘Kleisthenos-B’.

Arrival of participants in the working group

20.00 Working Lunch and Preparatory Meeting

08.00 - 10.00 Hiking for participants in the working group

11.00 - 16.00 Workshop

Municipal Council Hall of Nestorio

Presentation of current situation, good practices and suggestion of next steps

The working meeting of local government bodies, collective bodies, businessmen and representatives of civil society aims to network private and public bodies in the region of Western Macedonia for the restoration and utilization of hiking trails.

Objectives of the workshop

Networking of bodies, informal groups and individual active citizens: Private companies, civil society organizations and active citizens cooperate with the Greek regional bodies and the municipalities for the utilization of hiking routes and the exchange of good practices.

Investigation and formation of immediate, short-term, medium-term and long-term goals and agreement on the first steps of implementation.

Investigate possible sources of funding.

Establishment of working groups in each area.

Participants:

Representatives of the regions of Western Macedonia and Epirus and other regional bodies

Representatives of the Tourism Company of Western Macedonia

Representatives of the municipalities of Prespa, Kastoria, Nestori, Konitsa, Zagori

Representatives of the financial sector

Representatives of civil society, associations,

Experts

Elias Gartzonikas, Epirus Trail, Epirus Region, Tourism Directorate, Regional Councilor

Charitakis Papaioannou, Epirus Trail, EPIRUS DEVELOPMENT SA, Vikos-Aoos Geopark

Vassilis Karachalios, HELLENIC SOCIETY for Environment and Culture, "Culture Trails