With the aim of bringing the students of the wider Asterousia area closer to nature, the trails and the unique identity of their place, Asterousia Trails visited the Primary Schools of Asimiou and Agioi Deka at Wednesday, May 27, 2026. As part of the visit, the thematic events of the Asterousia hiking trails network of the Municipality of Gortyna were held with great success.
The students of the 4th, 5th and 6th grades had the opportunity to attend and participate in two thematic lectures, which aimed to inform and raise their awareness about the natural and cultural value of the Asterousia Mountains, the importance of their inclusion in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, as well as the basic principles of responsible and safe hiking. The presentations had a clear educational and experiential nature, utilizing interactive forms of participation and dialogue.
The first presentation was made by Dr. Katerina Mantadaki, from the Greek National Youth Contact Point of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme in Asterousia. The presentation was entitled “The UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme” and focused on the broader philosophy of the Programme, the importance of the designation of 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 of ETAM S.A., presented the topic “Hiking responsibly and safely on the trails of Asterousia”. Through an open dialogue with the students, he provided basic information about hiking and mountaineering, safe movement in the mountainous environment, the principles of responsible hiking, the necessary steps to prepare for a hiking excursion, as well as the necessary equipment.
The students showed strong interest in both speeches, actively participating with questions, inquiries and stories of personal experiences from their excursions to Asterousia and the wider area, while they renewed their “appointment” with Asterousia and its trails for the future.
Source: asterousiatrails.com