On Friday, 15 May 2026, in Stavies, the event on the theme “The Environment of Asterousia” was held, with the aim of informing the local community and organisations across the wider region about the “Asterousia Trails” the project, its prospects and the importance of promoting the unique natural and cultural environment of Asterousia.
The event was attended by a significant number of local residents, representatives of cultural associations and local communities, climbers, rescue workers and professionals working in the area, confirming once again the local community’s strong interest in the development and promotion of the network.
The event began with a presentation by the Managing Director of ETAM S.A., Dr Chryssa Pagalou, who gave a detailed presentation of the “Asterousia Trails” project and its individual initiatives, focusing on its main objective: the creation of a sustainable, integrated and modern network of high-quality hiking trails. As she explained, the project aims to enable hikers to explore the nature and countryside of Asterousia, whilst contributing to the preservation of natural ecosystems and the promotion of the area’s biodiversity, natural beauty and cultural heritage.
This was followed by a presentation by Ms. Theano Vrentzou, President of the Asterousia Protection Association and the Asterousia Local Management Committee (T.E.D.A.), on the topic of the Asterousia UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Ms Vrentzou particularly emphasised the belief that “place protects people and people protect place”, highlighting the importance of protecting and ensuring the sustainable development of the area, supporting the people who remain in Asterousia, improving infrastructure and cleanliness, as well as the value of UNESCO recognition for a place.
Ms. Amalia Tavladoraki, an executive at the Heraklion Development Agency, pointed out that the designation of the area as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, combined with the initiatives of the Leader programme from the previous programming period, played a decisive role in putting Asterousia “on the map” in terms of soft and sustainable development. She made particular reference to the potential for the development of rural tourism, small-scale infrastructure, training for producers and the promotion of local products and cultural activities.
The final speech of the event was delivered by Dr. Kalliopi Galanaki, Honorary Head of the Department of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities and Museums at the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion, who highlighted the richness of Asterousia’s cultural heritage. She focused on the region’s centuries-old archaeological, historical and spiritual legacy, placing particular emphasis on the timeless sacred character of its monuments and sites: from the prehistoric summit sanctuaries and the cult caves, to the Asclepia, the life-giving springs and holy waters, and the Byzantine monasteries and hermitages. She made particular reference to the establishment, in the 14th century, of the first university in Greece by the learned monk Joseph Filagris at the Monastery of the Three Hierarchs, in the Lousoudi Kapetaniana area, describing this spiritual legacy as a valuable guide for the region’s future.
The event, which was coordinated by Ms Pagalou, concluded with a lively discussion between the speakers and the audience. The focus was on issues relating to the cleanliness of the area, the signposting of the trails and the Biosphere Reserve, the use of old schools as venues for cultural and leisure activities, as well as ways to retain the local population. Particular emphasis was also placed on the study currently under consideration for the diversion of the European E4 trail to Asterousia and the creation of a well-organised hiking route through the mountain range via this new section.
Source: asterousiatrails.com