On Sunday, 21 June 2026, in Agioi Deka, the event “Hiking Routes and Sustainable Tourism Development in Asterousia” took place. Its aim was to inform the organisations, businesses and residents of the wider area in attendance about the opportunities created through the Asterousia Trails Hiking Route Network, which is operated by the Municipality of Gortyna. Through the project, an organised network of hiking trails with a total length of 40.6 kilometres is being developed, which also showcases the rich natural and cultural heritage of Asterousia.
The unique value of the area is also confirmed by its inclusion in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. In her presentation, the President of the Asterousia Protection Association and the Asterousia Local Management Committee (T.E.D.A.), Ms. Theano Vrentzou, highlighted the great importance of this international recognition, emphasising that it is both an honour and a responsibility for everyone. As she pointed out, preserving the authenticity, natural beauty and special character of Asterousia requires the cooperation of residents, visitors and organisations. At the same time, she highlighted the need for substantial protection and sustainable development of the area, with a focus on supporting the people who continue to live and work in Asterousia, improving basic infrastructure and promoting initiatives that will bring long-term benefits to both the area and the local communities.
In her presentation, entitled “Together for Asterousia: Climate adaptation as an opportunity for local regeneration”, the Head of the Autonomous Directorate for Climate Change of the Region of Crete and Ambassador of the European Climate Pact, Ms. Eugenia Stylianou, highlighted the significant challenges posed by climate change for Crete, noting that, as a Mediterranean island, it is one of the most vulnerable regions in Europe. She referred to the expected rises in temperature, the reduction in rainfall, more severe droughts and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, which affect the natural environment, the economy, public health and quality of life.
At the same time, she emphasised that adapting to climate change is not only a necessity, but also an opportunity for a new development plan, based on cooperation, innovation and the participation of society. She placed particular emphasis on the need to develop effective monitoring mechanisms and implement adaptation policies, as well as to inform and raise awareness among citizens. As he emphasised, the protection of areas of high natural value, such as Asterousia, requires the involvement of all stakeholders and the local community, through coordinated actions, so that climate adaptation can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and local regeneration.
In her presentation entitled “The role of the Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+ and the Rural Greece platform in promoting the destination: Asterousia Trails”, the General Manager of ETAM S.A. and Coordinator of the epaithros+ Cluster, Dr. Chryssa Pagalou, highlighted how an organised network of cooperation can contribute significantly to the sustainable development of a rural destination. She pointed out that the Asterousia Trails are an important development tool for the region, as they showcase its unique natural and cultural heritage and create new opportunities for the development of sustainable forms of tourism.
Particular emphasis was placed on the Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+, which serves as a mechanism for cooperation between institutions and businesses, promoting the quality, sustainability, innovation and outward-looking nature of Greek rural destinations. At the same time, the online platform Rural Greece was launched, serving as a gateway to rural tourism in Greece. Through this platform, themed routes, integrated experiences, local businesses and authentic aspects of the Greek countryside are promoted, connecting visitors with the natural and cultural riches of each region. In this context, the Asterousia Trails, which have already been incorporated into the existing routes of Rural Greece, form part of a wider promotional network that enhances the destination’s international profile, creating new opportunities for sustainable development for the local community and economy.
The event concluded with a fruitful dialogue between the speakers and the participants, during which important issues concerning the future of Asterousia were highlighted. Among other things, the possibilities of implementing targeted tree planting schemes under the guidance of a specialist scientific committee were discussed, with particular emphasis on the use of productive carob trees, which can contribute both to the environmental enhancement of the area and to the strengthening of local food production. At the same time, issues were raised regarding the management of urban sprawl and retaining young people in rural areas, the interconnection of the network with other hiking routes in Crete, as well as issues related to the classification of forest areas and the impacts of Industrial Renewable Energy Sources (IRES). Particular reference was also made to the effects of overgrazing, as well as to the ways in which the Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+ can provide practical support to local businesses, enhancing their visibility, networking and competitiveness.
Source: asterousiatrails.com