With the aim of informing and raising awareness of the local community about the unique natural, cultural and gastronomic identity of Asterousia, a conference on the topic of “The Asterousia Biosphere Reserve as a Hiking and Gastronomic Destination” was held on the morning of Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Apesokari.
The event is part of the project “Study for the Creation of a Network of Signposted Hiking Trails in the Asterousia Mountains of Crete”, which is being implemented by the Municipality of Gortyna, with the aim of creating and promoting an organized network of hiking trails in Asterousia, with a total length of 40.6 km, as well as promoting the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
The first speaker was Ms. Theano Vrentzou, President of the Asterousia Local Management Committee and President of the Asterousia Protection Association, who presented the topic “Asterousia – The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve”. In her presentation, she referred to the importance of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program, the role of Biosphere Reserves as areas that combine the protection of nature with the presence of humans and sustainable development, as well as the path of Asterousia’s integration into the international UNESCO network. Ms. Vrentzou also referred to the tree planting program for Asterousia in the context of the adaptation of the Asterousia mountain range to climate change.
Afterwards, Dr Chryssa Pagalou, General Manager of ETAM S.A., presented the project of creating the network of marked hiking trails in the Asterousia Mountains. In her presentation, she referred to the natural and cultural value of Asterousia, the protected areas of the Natura 2000 network, the possibilities for developing gentle activities, as well as the main categories of actions of the project, which include improving the accessibility of the trails, signage, small technical works, promotion, information and networking actions. In addition, Ms. Pangalou stressed the importance of presenting the project to both citizens and interest groups, noting the stations of the project so far which were Asimi, Stavies, Vagionia, Heraklion, the primary schools of Asimi and Agion Deka, while events will follow in Agion Deka and Kapetaniana.
Finally, Dr. Aikaterini Mantadaki, from the Greek National Youth Focal Point of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme, presented the biocultural nutritional heritage of the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve. The presentation highlighted nutrition as an element of intangible cultural heritage, inextricably linked to the collective memory, identity, social practices and cultural landscape of the region. Evidence was presented on the diachronic evolution of the “Asterousian” diet, the value of local practices, wild edible grasses, food gathering, self-sufficiency and traditional meals, as well as the contemporary pressures affecting local food systems.
Following the completion of the presentations, an active dialogue with the public followed, during which issues related to the protection, management and sustainable development of the Asterousia region were highlighted. The discussion highlighted the importance of the international recognition of the region through UNESCO, while at the same time focusing on a number of important issues of concern to the local community, such as uncontrolled grazing.
Among these, the need for rational management of natural resources, especially water, addressing issues related to proper waste management, the importance of tree planting and landscape enhancement interventions, as well as the need to protect and highlight monuments and sites of historical interest were highlighted. At the same time, the need for a documented land use plan was emphasized, so that the development of the area is carried out with respect for the natural environment, cultural heritage, productive activities and the local community.
Through the dialogue, the interest of residents and organizations to actively contribute to the joint effort to protect and promote Asterousia was reflected.
Source: asterousiatrails.com