ProgramEZD
Administrator foruma
Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 113
Location: Ljubljana |
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 Greek municipality is looking for partners |
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MUNICIPALITY OF AGRAFA (Greece) is looking for partners for projects in Europe for Citizens programme, action 1, measure 1.1
The Municipality of Agrafa belongs to the Region Unity of Evritania, in the region of Central Greece. Mainly mountainous, is situated in the center of the Greek peninsula, having no contact with the seaside.
Its area is 920,341 sq.km. and its population amounts to 13.604 inhabitants. The seat of the Municipality is in Kerasochori, while the main settlements are Raptopoulo, Granitsa, Agrafa, East and West Fraghista, Palaiokatouna and Viniani.
When it comes to history, the archaeological research has not yet clearly documented the site’s historical events. However, it follows the fortune of the Greek World in the Ancient, Roman and Byzantine Era until the Ottoman Times. During the centuries of Ottoman occupation, the current population growth and the flourishing economy thanks to the special privileges which are enjoyed in the safe shelter that offered to the persecuted Greeks in lowland areas.
Great was the contribution of the residents in the Greek Revolution to struggle for independence, as well the occupation by the Axis forces during World War II.
The natural environment of the region of Agrafa is the main feature and looks nothing like the usual images, a cliché that usually has the visitor for Greece, the seas and the charming islands.
Here nature – rugged, mountainous and inaccessible – in the center of Greek mainland becomes one of the best kept secrets. Land blessed with spectacular mountains, gorges, lakes and mountain rivers, creates a stunning landscape from where the nymphs of Greek antiquity have not yet escaped.
The forests dominate in the land of the region; we still find wolves, deers and bears, otters fishing in the mountainous rivers, as well above the ravines we can observe the flight of the vulture.
All these images are now forgotten for most part of the European continent; survive as a testament of one of the healthier ecosystems in the region.
It is one of the least polluted areas of the world and despite its relative proximity to the urban centers like Lamia and Athens; the area has managed to stay away from the turbulence and aesthetic pollution of modern life.
Obviously with all these advantages, the region is particularly interesting for tourism, which is indeed the main process of development in recent decades. These are mainly high-quality tourism, addressed largely to the lovers of nature and tradition, with an emphasis on mountain sports of all times (skiing, climbing, hiking, mountain bike, rafting, canyoning).
Moreover, the numerous Byzantine monuments of the area, the traditional settlements and the charming examples of traditional folk architecture like the bridges made of stone, the fountains and water mills, have given an important cultural dimension to the visitor’s staying.
In this fact, important contribution has the existence and operation of two major cultural institutions of the Municipality, which is the Kafantareion Institute (in East Fraghista) and the Museum of National Resistance (in old Viniani).
Apart from tourism, we can also emphasize to the production of high quality livestock products.
So, the challenge for integrated development concerning the future of Municipality of Agrafa, preserving the environmental and cultural uniqueness and respect to sustainability, focus on innovative actions which could tend to negate the disadvantages of the region, promote the development process of the Municipality.
Municipality Website and contacts can be found at:
http://www.dimos-agrafon.gr/
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Best regards,
Slovenian Information Office for Europe for Citizens Programme
www.ezd.si |
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