4th Stakeholder Meeting in Western Greece on 15th July 2024

Our regional partner, the University of Patras, hosted their fourth Down to Earth Stakeholder Meeting in Krestena, Ileia on July 15th, in collaboration with the Municipality of Andritsaina-Krestena.

The event discussed thestrategies for retention of young farmers in rural areas and examples of policy interventions for rural resilience against population decline and climate change. 

Professor Evangelos Papadakis from the University of Patras highlighted the project's dual focus on addressing population decline and the climate crisis in rural areas, proposing qualitative improvements to existing programs. Mayor Sakis Balioukos discussed the ongoing efforts since the 2007 wildfires to retain the population through reconstruction programs, despite challenges in funding and continuity. He emphasised the need for goals such as building dams and reservoirs to address water scarcity faced by rural areas which are exacerbated by climate change. 

Dr. Konstantinos Antonopoulos also presented the first year's findings from the project, and shared successful examples from initiatives across the Down to Earth consortium, including institutional capacity building, local entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism. The Director of Olympia Development, Mr. Theofilopoulos, stressed the importance of adequate investments in infrastructure, such as broadband and health services, to support rural retention and attract new residents. 

Deputy Mayor Mr. Karnaros called for incentives for permanent residents in mountainous areas, including small-scale photovoltaic investments and biomass management for energy production. Deputy Mayor Mrs. Fotinopoulou highlighted the irrigation issues faced by new farmers, suggesting innovative agricultural practices like peanut cultivation for additional income. Ms. Nanopoulou advocated for streamlined processes to support new farmers. 

Deputy Mayor Mrs. Kouskouri emphasised collective responses to modern agricultural challenges and the need to combat land fragmentation. Mayor Balioukos reviewed available financial tools, such as the Integrated Territorial Development Strategy and national reconstruction programs, stressing the necessity for substantial reinforcement to meet the region's long-term reconstruction challenges. 

Discussions covered energy upgrades, local energy communities, biomass utilisation, cultural heritage promotion, and improved social infrastructure and healthcare accessibility. The creation of a UNESCO "Biosphere" park around the monument of Apollo Epicurious was also proposed. 

The meeting concluded with a discussion of perspectives by local young farmers. 

This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the regional report on the topic adequately reflects the challenges and opportunities of the region.