On Friday, May 15, 2026, in Stavies, the event on the theme “The Environment of Asterousia” was held, with the aim of informing the local community and the bodies of the wider region about the “Asterousia Trails” 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 residents of the area, representatives of cultural associations and local communities, climbers, rescuers and professionals active in the area, confirming once again the strong interest of the local community in the development and promotion of the network.
The event began with the presentation of the General Manager of ETAM S.A., Dr. Chryssa Pagalou, who presented in detail the “Asterousia Trails” project and its individual actions, focusing on its main objective: the creation of a sustainable, integrated and modern network of high-quality hiking trails. As she stated, the project aims to allow hikers to get to know the nature and countryside of Asterousia, while contributing to the preservation of natural ecosystems and the promotion of the biodiversity, natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area.
This was followed by the presentation of 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 emphasized the belief that “place protects people and people protect place”, highlighting the importance of protecting and sustainable development of the area, supporting the people who remain in Asterousia, improving infrastructure and cleanliness, as well as the value of its recognition by UNESCO for a place.
Ms. Amalia Tavladoraki, an executive of the Heraklion Development Agency, pointed out that the designation of the area as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, in combination with the actions of the Leader program of the previous programming period, contributed decisively to Asterousia “entering the map” of soft and sustainable development. She made particular reference to the potential for the development of rural tourism, small-scale infrastructure, the education of producers and the promotion of local products and cultural activities.
The last speech of the event was given by Dr. Kalliopi Galanaki, Honorary Head of the Department of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities and Museums of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion, who highlighted the wealth of the cultural heritage of Asterousia. She focused on the centuries-old archaeological, historical and spiritual legacy of the region, 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, 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, characterizing this spiritual legacy as a valuable guide for the future of the region.
The event, which was coordinated by Ms. Pagalou, concluded with a lively discussion between the speakers and the audience. The focus was on issues related to the cleanliness of the area, the marking of the trails and the Biosphere Reserve, the utilization of old schools as places of culture and gentle activities, as well as ways to maintain the population in the area. Particular emphasis was also given to the study under consideration for the bypass of the European path E4 to Asterousia and the creation of an organized hiking route through the mountain range through this new section.
Source: asterousiatrails.com