With the aim of bringing pupils from the wider Asterousia area closer to nature, the trails and the unique character of their local area, Asterousia Trails visited the Primary Schools of Asimiou and Agioi Deka at Wednesday, 27 May 2026. As part of the visit, the themed events organised by the Asterousia hiking trails network of the Municipality of Gortyna were held with great success.
Pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 had the opportunity to attend and take part in two themed talks, which aimed to inform them and raise their awareness of the natural and cultural value of the Asterousia Mountains, the importance of their inclusion in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and the basic principles of responsible and safe hiking. The presentations were clearly educational and experiential in nature, making use of interactive forms of participation and dialogue.
The first presentation was given by Dr. Katerina Mantadaki, from the Greek National Youth Contact Point of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme in Asterousia. The presentation was entitled “The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme” and focused on the broader philosophy of the Programme, the importance of designating Asterousia as a Biosphere Reserve, the value of informing and actively involving young people in the Reserve’s activities, the opportunities that this designation offers young people, as well as the prospect of the region’s schools joining the UNESCO School Network.
For his part, Mr. Kostis Kanakis, a mountaineer and executive at ETAM S.A., gave a presentation on the topic “Hiking responsibly and safely on the trails of Asterousia”. Through an open discussion with the students, he provided basic information on hiking and mountaineering, safe movement in mountainous terrain, the principles of responsible hiking, the necessary steps to prepare for a hiking trip, and the essential equipment.
The students showed keen interest in both talks, actively participating by asking questions, making enquiries and sharing stories of their personal experiences from their excursions to Asterousia and the wider area, whilst reaffirming their commitment to return to Asterousia and its trails in the future.
Source: asterousiatrails.com